D&D 5e Princes of the Apocalypse

from it. This minor ghost was a guard who died having inches higher than the chest should be deep. Within is
failed to protect the noble interred here. (Use specter a gold chain and locket with a portrait of a lovely half-elf
statistics, except this ghost is lawful neutral.) He warns female etched in profile on the inside (100 gp) and two
intruders to leave his master’s tomb. Although the ghost rings of braided silver and electrum (25 gp each).
might talk to peaceful characters, he attacks those who
refuse to leave. The ghost doesn’t pursue those who flee. B loody T reasu re
In the hills south of the Larch Path is a cave known to
Inner Tomb Red Larchers as Tricklerock Cave. Albaeri Mellikho
The iron door is rusted shut. Acharacters can force it (Red Larch, area 18) and Elak Dornan (Red Larch, area
open with a successful DC 15 Strength check. Inside, 12) point the characters to this location.
the following is revealed:
In a ravine, an exposed rock face is split bya vertical crevice
Beyond the rusted door is another square room, twenty about three feet wide and fifteen feet high. Water trickles
feet bytwenty feet, containing a stone coffin. The ceiling is fromthe opening and spills into a nearby bog. Inthe mud
cracked, allowing roots and water into the chamber from around the crevice are many overlapping bootprints. Some
multiple points, although little collects here. At the coffin’s head into the crevice, and some come out.
feet is a rusty iron chest.
If the characters enter the crevice, read the following:
Inside the coffin is a skeleton dressed in a rusted
breastplate and clasping a longsword to its chest. The crevice leads twenty feet into the hillside before
This flying sword attacks intruders when the coffin opening up into a cavern. Manytrickles ofwater combine
is opened. It returns to its place in the coffin if no one into a pleasant sound, and the walls glisten with moisture.
remains in this room. Stalagmites dot the floor, and stalactites hang from the
ceiling.
Treasure
The chest contains ruined cloth and the sodden The cave is home to four stirges, which attack as soon
remains of a book, but it also has a false wooden as a character enters the cave. Contrary to local rumors,
bottom. Someone who succeeds on a DC 10 Intelligence there is no treasure to be found in Tricklerock Cave.
(Investigation) check notices the bottom is several
The L ast Laugh
Endrith Vallivoe (Red Larch, area 22) heard a report
that might lead the characters here.

Aweathered human skull, jawsagging, is pinned to the
trunk of a tree ahead bya big black arrow protruding from
one ofthe skull’s eye sockets.

Black parchment (actually dyed human skin) is wrapped
around the arrow just in front of the fletching. It is a
message that reads, in Common:

The Last Laugh
You’ll be next!

Valklondar
The arrow’s point is of black-painted metal, and it
punched a hole through the back of the skull and sank
deep into the tree. Anyone who handles the arrow has
nightmares of the skull rushing at them, laughing coldly.
Such persons have been marked. For a tenday, undead
attack them reluctantly and as a last possible target.

Lance Rock L2. G uard Cave

Characters who confront troublesome situations in Around, high-ceilinged cave opens here. It has two narrow
the wilderness attract the attention of Kaylessa Irkell, exits, one leading north and the other south. Aflat boulder
proprietor of the Swinging Sword (Red Larch, area sits inthe center ofthe cave. It’s about sixfeet across,
2). Kaylessa believes an evil influence emanating from eight feet long, and three feet high. Dark stains color its
Lance Rock is the source of Red Larch’s troubles. She top.
asks the characters, who should still be 1st level, to
find out what’s going on. The characters discover that a The boulder is stained with dry blood.
necromancer who styles himself a “lord”is lurking in a Above the eastern entrance, two zombies stand on a
cave near the landmark.
ledge 10 feet up. They hold a wooden box full of rocks
Northwest of Red Larch, Lance Rock is visible between them. When they spot an intruder, they let the
for miles. When the characters can see it, read the box go so it crashes down on the interloper. The target
following text: must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take
7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage. The zombies then jump
Lance Rock is a narrow, twenty-five-foot menhir of bare, down from the ledge (taking 1d6 bludgeoning damage
gray rock that juts eastward at a sixty-degree angle. each) to attack.

The menhir is gray granite, unlike the surrounding L3. C orpse Cave
limestone. (Adragon dropped it here long ago.) Afew
hundred feet south of the stone is a ravine choked with Motionless humanoid figures dressed in dirty clothes or
brush. Atrail leads into the brush near a neatly-painted scraps ofarmor are propped against the walls ofthis cave.
sign that reads, in Common: Some are little more than skeletons with wisps of hair and
skin stretched tightly over their bones. Others are fresher.
Come no closer Afewold shortswords lie on the dusty floor.
lest you catch
the disfiguring plague
that afflicts me!
The Lord of Lance Rock

The trail continues down to a cave mouth. Another
warning sign with the same message is posted by the
opening. If the characters explore the cave, proceed
with the “Necromancer’s Cave”encounters below.

N e c r o m a n c e r ’s C a v e
An insane and reclusive necromancer named Oreioth—
the self-styled “Lord of Lance Rock”—has taken
residence in the caves near Lance Rock. He poses no
immediate threat to Red Larch but doesn’t take kindly to
trespassers.

L l. E n try Cave

The cave mouth opens into darkness fromwhich a breezes
blows, carrying the faint odor ofdeath. Inside is a natural
cave, its floor and ceiling uneven. The passage leads to the
west, narrowing as it proceeds.

Abody is sprawled on the floor 60 feet into the passage.
When the characters get close enough to take a good
look at the body, read the following:

The corpse ofa human male is sprawled here on its back. It
wears only leather breeches.

The body is a zombie, but it animates only if touched.
Then, it attacks.

Twelve corpses are stored in this chamber. Seven are L5. W orkshop
skeletal, and five are fresher. Three skeletons remain
still among the other remains. They attack anyone who The passage opens into an enormous cavern illuminated
touches them or the corpses here. by several guttering torches set in sconces on the walls.
The floor is uneven, and the ceiling is forty feet up. Three
L4. D ancing D ead flat boulders near the passage serve as tables for human
corpses. Severed body parts sit in baskets bythe corpses,
The passage that leads to this room from the north can covered in dry gore. Afigure in a dark hood stands bythe
be described as follows: third table, its back to you. Matted hair juts from the hood,
and the figure holds a bone needle threaded with dark cord
This narrow passage is about ten feet high in most places, in its hand.
with rough, irregular walls. Protruding spurs on the walls Farther to the west, a stone stair climbs the north wall,
are coated in dried blood. ending near the ceiling. Astone slab like a counter juts
from the wall across the room from the base ofthe stairs.
Eventually this natural passage widens out: It holds saws, knives, and other tools. Four skeletons stand
beyond this tool bench, guarding a wide passage that exits
The star-shaped cavern ahead has many clefts in its the to the west.
walls. Only two, across the cavern, seem large enough
to traverse. Three zombies lurch about the area. One is The hooded figure is a zombie, and five crawling
costumed like a bear, another is dressed as a lady in a frilly claws hide among the other body parts in the baskets.
dress and thick makeup, and the last is costumed as a If intruders do anything other than turn back, the
jester with jingling bells on its collar and sleeves. monsters attack.

These three zombies are dressed to entertain the Lord The “Lord of Lance Rock” is Oreioth (see chapter 7),
of Lance Rock by acting out grotesque comedies. They a wild-eyed Tethyrian human with a bristly beard and a
have orders to playact for a few moments when they spot shaved head. If the characters moved through area L4
intruders, using the distraction to approach and attack.

Sounds of combat in this room alert the necromancer
Oreioth (in area L5) that intruders are nearby. Oreioth
climbs the stairs in area L5 to peer into the end of the
western passage (see that section), hoping to get a
chance to trigger the trap there.

Southwestern Passage. This tunnel leads to a small
cavern with two closed iron chests resting on the floor.
Apeephole in the south wall allows someone standing
at the top of the stairs in area L5 to observe the chests.
By the peephole is a lever that opens a trapdoor in the
ceiling above the chests, releasing a rockfall.

If Oreioth is in position, he waits until at least two
intruders have entered the cave, then he moves away
from the peephole and pulls the lever. When he does,
he cries, easily audible through the peephole, “You
dare to pit yourselves against the Lord of Lance Rock?
Death is your reward!”Then he continues to cackle as
he retreats.

Those in the room can make DC 10 Dexterity saving
throws, taking 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage on a failure,
or half that damage on a success.

The iron chests are empty.

alerting him, they find Oreioth arranging and cleaning T om b o f M o v in g S to n e s
his tools on the tool bench. Otherwise, he watches
warily from behind the four skeletons. In any case, Shortly after the characters return to Red Larch from
if confronted, he shrinks from conflict and orders his Lance Rock, this scenario intended for 2nd-level
skeletons to attack while he retreats into area L6. characters begins. Beneath the town are tunnels
and chambers carved by ancient dwarves. The place
The necromancer refers to himself in the third person includes a vault in which great stones mysteriously
and by his self-appointed title. He’s afraid of physical change position.
confrontation, but he pretends bravery when his pets
shield him, saying, “Bow before the Lord of Lance Several generations ago, stonecutters working in the
Rock! Me! Behold my dark terrors!”He’s willing to quarries discovered the old tunnels, buried miners, and
magnanimously consider a surrender or offers of truce, the weird phenomenon of the moving stones. At first
as long as intruders leave the cave. those who found the place kept it secret because they
hoped to find treasure within. No such treasure was
Stairs. The steps along the north wall lead up to a ever found, but the conspiracy survived.
ledge overlooking this room. Apeephole by this ledge
looks into the western passage of area L4, and there is a The Red Larchers who knew about the place came to
lever here that controls the rockfall trap in that room. include the leading citizens of the town. They regarded
the phenomenon as supernatural and portentous. They
Tools. The stone counter serves as a tool bench. The called themselves the Believers and referred to the
tools here include saws, knives, awls, embalming tools, miners entombed in the chamber as the Delvers. The
and metal bowls. Among them is ajug of grain alcohol Believers carefully observed the stones for messages
and a cask of fresh water. Everything is very clean. in their movements, and they saw the Delvers as stern
guardians watching over an ancient mystery.
L6. S tudy
Over the years, the Believers began to arrange events
The workshop narrows into another passage that and opportunities in Red Larch to ensure that fellow
splits and links up twice. It gently descends to this area Believers prospered. They became a secret town council
described as follows: and met to make hard decisions “for the good of all.”
People causing trouble in Red Larch were driven out of
An oval cavern opens here, forty feet wide and sixty business, intimidated, or even murdered.

feet long. Dark purple tapestries hang on the walls. At Several months ago, agents of the Cult of the Black
Earth stumbled across the Tomb of Moving Stones,
the center stands a pedestal fashioned ofsevered arms and an ambitious cult priest named Larrakh came
to Red Larch to bring the Believers under the cult’s
arranged to clutch one another in a cone. Cradled inthe control. Unhindered by superstition, as the Believers
are, he learned the secret of how to manipulate the
uppermost hands is a glowing crystal sphere. Adark sigil moving stones. Larrakh now uses the stones to deliver
“messages”that he interprets for the Believers,
with an eyelike slit floats above the sphere. manipulating them to do the earth cult’s bidding.

For the sigil, show the players the Elder Elemental Eye Characters who focus on the right set of rumors in
symbol (see chapter 1) without additional context. The Red Larch might discover the Tomb of Moving Stones.
sigil is an illusion that disappears if it or the pedestal is The Believers have a hidden entrance in Waelvur’s
disturbed. Wagonworks (Red Larch, area 16). The long, winding
tunnel from this establishment leads to area T1 in
If he is here, Oreioth (see chapter 7) is hiding behind the tomb. Asecond hidden entrance in the Mellikho
the draperies at the north end of the room, holding a Stoneworks (Red Larch, area 18) leads to area T9.
wand ofmagic missiles. He reacts only if attacked or
someone approaches the floating sigil. In this latter S inkhole
case, he yells, “Can’t you see it? It’s the Eye! It sees your
every move! Don’t you fear it?” If the characters don’t find any leads to this scenario, a
sinkhole opens in the middle of Red Larch, exposing the
If he dies, Oreioth turns into a black flame. The flame hidden chambers. In that eventuality, read the following
dwindles to nothing with a plaintive wail and vanishes. text when you’re ready to start:

Treasure
The glowing sphere is a driftglobe. Behind the draperies
are niches where Oreioth keeps his food, drink,
supplies, clothes, and bedding, as well as 165 sp, 78
gp and four polished jet gems (50 gp each). If Oreioth
failed to retrieve it, the wand ofmagic missiles is stored
in a niche.

An ordinary afternoon in Red Larch is broken bya tremor. More townsfolk hurry up from al sides, staying clear of
Asecond later, four small children and the old cart they are
playing on slide down into a sinkhole that suddenly opens. the edge. Among them are afewtown elders, who pull
They disappear from sight, shrieking for help.
Adistraught woman runs out ofa nearby house and people awayfromthe edge and order the others to stay
sprints to the edge ofthe hole, which crumbles away,
spilling her in as well. More people run from other homes. back. “Leave it to us!" says one ofthe elders. “We will tend
Calls of “Arope, a rope!” and “Get a ladder!”fill the air.
to this matter! The children won't be harmed bybeing
Any creature that moves to the sinkhole’s edge without
taking precautions, such as lying flat on the ground and down there a little while, but no one must go down there.
crawling forward or securing themselves with a rope,
must make a successful DC 10 Dexterity saving throw Keep back!”
or fall into the hole as the ground crumbles further. The
bottom of the sinkhole is 30 feet down, but a cushioning The sinkhole exposes area T1 in the Tomb of Moving
heap of loose earth has already cascaded into the Stones. Townsfolk who've fallen in are scared,
underlying cavern, so those who fall take no damage. bruised, and unable to climb out without aid, but
otherwise unharmed.
When characters can see within, read the following:
The town elders trying to control the situation are
Adark chamber is about thirty feet belowthe level ofthe Ilmeth Waelvur (male Tethyrian human bandit; see
ground. It looks larger than the hole and extends into Red Larch, area 16), Albaeri Mellikho (female Tethyrian
darkness on all sides. Aheap of loose earth is piled inthe human commoner: see Red Larch, area 18), and
middle. The children who first fell in are sitting on the Ulhro Luruth (male Chondathan human commoner;
mound ofearth, coughing inthe dust and sobbing with see Red Larch, area 19). Anxious to keep anyone from
fright. “Myboy, my boy!”a worried parent shouts, peeping discovering that the sinkhole leads to passages, they
over the edge. “Somebody do something!” make statements such as. “This isn’t to be discussed
in front of strangers!”and “The Delvers must not be
angered!”and “The stones must not be moved!” Such
commands elicit little obedience from the frightened
townsfolk.

If no character has a rope, a helpful resident arrives
with an old coil. He or she pushes past the elders to
offer the rope to the characters. Children wail down in
the pit as more onlookers arrive. It’s clearly time for a
rescue mission.

Rescuing those who’ve fallen is a matter of lowering The doors slide open easily if pushed. To the south,
a rescuer down with a rope, tying it around a victim, the door leads to a long stone tunnel that ends in a
and having people above haul away. The townsfolk are pit covered by a stone bench with a hole in it (a privy
grateful for the characters’aid. unused for decades). The door on the north side of the
hall guards a passage leading to area T5.
T 1. E n t r y C a v e rn
T 3. Cage T rap
If the sinkhole opened up, this cavern has a pile of dirt
in the center and a gaping, 20-foot-diameter hole in the If the party continues east along the tunnel past area
30-foot-high ceiling. T2, they walk into a trap. Read the following text only if
a character examines the ceiling:
This wide, irregularly shaped cavern has a floor ofsmooth
bedrock. Damp dirt and stone, with tree roots protruding The ceiling consists of square stone panels about ten
here and there, make up the walls. Afive-foot-wide tunnel feet on a side. Rusty iron frames surround each panel.
leads offto the north, and a stone slab—a door with a The panels are suspended about several inches from
rusty pull-ring—stands to the east. Bythe stone door, a one another and the wall to either side. Theyform a row
couple well-used cloaks and awaterskin are on the floor. overhead that continues down the passage.

The waterskin is half full of water. The cloaks are Ten iron cages are suspended from chains over the
quite plain. They belong to Believers who don’t want hallway, and the “panels”are the cage bottoms. The
to attract attention while coming or going from the true ceiling is 25 feet high, and each cage hangs from 5
entrance tunnel. feet of heavy chain and is 10 feet tall. The bottom panels
appear to be a 10-foot ceiling from the hallway. The
The stone door to the east has no lock. It slides open panels are thin plaster painted to resemble stone.
smoothly. Beyond it, a passage of dressed stone slopes
downward, continuing east to area T2. When the characters can see the eastern end of the
hall, read the following:
North Tunnel
This tunnel leads to Waelvur’s Wagonworks (Red Larch, At the end ofthe passage is another stone door with an
area 16). If the characters investigate the tunnel, read iron pull ring in it. It stands slightly ajar with darkness
the following: beyond. About five feet up, the door has atwo-inch-wide,
foot-long horizontal slit.
The tunnel is muddy. It winds north a long way before
rising gradually. After two hundred feet or so, it ends at a Unless Grund (male half-orc thug) has already been
wooden door that forms a sloping roof. Asmall wooden dealt with, he is peering through the viewing slit. With
coffer sits on the floor bythe door, and beside the coffer his darkvision, he spots approaching characters 60 feet
is a heap ofdamp sand fromwhich the ends oftorches away, but if the characters are carrying light sources, he
protrude. notices them as soon as they pass the doors in area T2.

The door opens among several old wagons that have Grund’s orders are to trap intruders. Anyone who
been left to rot. On the surface, the door looks like isn’t an intruder is supposed to pause 60 feet from the
a wooden cellar door and opens next to Waelvur’s door, cross his or her fists, and call out, “ABeliever
Wagonworks. approaches!”Grund drops cages on anyone who doesn’t
followthis protocol.
The damp torches were extinguished by being thrust
into the sand. They are hard to light but readily burn Dropping Cages. Each cage’s chain runs through a
if lit with an existing fire. The coffer contains flint and pulley secured to a heavy iron bar just inside the door
steel, as well as six dry torches. in area T4. From where he is, Grund can use an action
to release two chains. He starts with the cage at the
T 2 . S tone S en tin els western end of the tunnel, sealing off retreat, followed
by a cage dropped on the party. Roll initiative at that
Sixtyfeet beyond the stone door, the tunnel levels out. point. Grund’s uses his second turn to block the eastern
Two stone reliefs ofstern dwarves in chain mail and edge of the passage with a third cage and to drop
carrying battleaxes face each other across the tunnel. The another cage on characters not already trapped.
carvings stand out fromthe passage walls, and they have
gaps around them, so they could be doors. The passage Afalling cage targets the corresponding 10-foot
continues past them. square section of the passage. Targets in the area can
stand still, taking no damage as the plaster on the cage
bottom breaks and the cage seals them in. Those who
wish to avoid a falling cage must succeed on a DC 15
Dexterity saving throw. Those who fail are caught in the
cage. Anyone who fails by 5 or more is hit by the iron
frame of the cage bottom. Such a creature takes 7 (2d6)

bludgeoning damage and is pinned under the cage. father, Rotharr Hatherhand. to Ilmeth Waelvur. It was
While pinned, the character is prone and restrained. a slip of paper the boy didn't read.
• Rotharr is one of the Believers. Other Believers
Acharacter who uses an action to make a successful Braelen knows are Baragustas Harbuckler, Marlandro
DC 15 Strength check can lift the cage enough to allow Gaelkur, and Ilmeth Waelvur. The boy also knows
one creature to escape. It takes a successful DC 20 Grund isn’t really a Believer, but the Believers take
Strength check to bend the rusty bars enough to allow care of him, so he does what they tell him to do.
everyone in or under the cage to escape. Acharacter • The Believers are a secret group made up of some of
pinned under a cage lacks good leverage and has the most important people in town. They guard the
disadvantage on these Strength checks. moving stones, and make sure no one disturbs the
Delvers, who are entombed here. The Believers watch
Development the moving stones carefully, because it’s a bad sign
If Grund traps the characters in the hall, he runs to tell when they move, and they have to figure out what it
Baragustas in area T8. Baragustas calls the Bringers means to avert danger. (This information isn’t true,
of Woe (see area T7), who arrive 10 minutes later. but that’s what the Believers and Braelen believe.)
The villains raise cages one by one to attack trapped • Braelen isn’t angry with his father or the Believers.
characters, aiming to capture them. Larrakh then plans He believes this sort of treatment is normal, and he’s
to sacrifice the characters at a special ceremony. worried his father might find out the punishment
ended before it was supposed to.
T 4. A ntecham ber • The chamber of moving stones and the buried Delvers
are to the east, beyond three more stone doors.
This big, square chamber has been hewn out ofthe rock. In
the center ofthe chamber’s west wall is a stone door that If the characters release Braelen. he tries to go back to
has a narrowviewing slit. Beside the door is a set of iron the surface through the tunnel in area T1.
bars bolted into the wall about three feet above the floor.
Ten oiled chains are secured to the bars, leading up to a Chains. Fastened to iron bars here are chains to the
hole bored inthe ceiling. Another solid stone door is in the cages in area T3. Characters can raise a fallen cage
middle ofthe east wall. back to its original position by hauling on its chain.
An eight-foot-tall rectangular stone stands upright inthe
room’s center. The stone has an inscription on it that’s Inscription. The inscription on the standing stone
hard to read from a distance. At the foot ofthe standing reads, in Common: “Displease not the Delvers.”

stone, a small human is pinned, face down, by rocks placed T5. C h arn el Cham ber

atop his arms, legs, and back. He is barefoot and wears Characters catch the scent of death as they approach
ragged clothes. this room.

Depending on what has happened in area T3, Grund The tunnel opens into a square room that reeks ofdecaying
(male half-orc thug) might be standing by the western
door, keeping watch down the hallway. Grund is baffled flesh. Three human corpses, reduced to little more than
by intruders that arrive behind him. After standing and
gaping for a moment, he finally says, “You can’t be here. bloody bone and sinew, are sprawled inthe room’s center.
You have to go!” He points down the western hallway.
In obvious exasperation and desperation, he attacks Two oversized rats root among the bodies, stopping to
anyone who attempts to leave by the eastern door.
chewflesh they’ve pulled free. Scuttling noises come from
Pinned under a pile of small boulders is an eleven-
year-old boy named Braelen Hatherhand (male narrowcrevices in the walls.
Tethyrian human commoner with 2 hit points and
no effective attacks). He is drifting in and out of Five giant rats found their way in through the narrow
consciousness. If strangers enter the room, he revives crevices, which are just big enough for the rodents to
enough to feebly plead for his freedom. squeeze through. Two are in the middle of the room, and
three more lurk in the crevices. Believers don’t yet know
Roleplaying Braelen. Braelen has been pinned here the rats are here, and the grisly meal is sufficient to keep
for two days. Heavy stones were carefully placed to hold the rats from wandering. The giant rats ignore intruders
him in place without crushing or breaking anything. He that give them a wide berth and avoid startling them.
is cold, thirsty, hungry, tired, and scared. The boy clams They attack if harmed or provoked.
up in terror if he’s intimidated or bullied. If approached
in a friendly manner, he first begs for food and water. He The bodies are those of travelers who disappeared
can offer the following information as responses to the near Red Larch. Each has the symbol of the earth cult
characters’questions. cut deeply enough in the forehead to mark the skull. To
pass a test commanded by the earth cultist Larrakh (see
• The Believers put him here as punishment for being area T9), Believers waylaid and killed the travelers in
disobedient. He failed to deliver a message from his separate incidents over the last month. The Believers
are rarely murderers, but Larrakh is maneuvering them
into darker and darker deeds.

T 6. H overing S to n e The name “Reszur”is graven on the dagger’s pommel.
If the wielder speaks the name, the blade gives off a
The tunnel opens into a square room. Inthe center of it, a faint, cold glow, shedding dim light in a 10-foot radius
black rock about afoot across hovers three feet fromthe until the wielder speaks the name again.
floor.
Development
Anormal rock floats here because of ancient magic It’s only a matter of minutes before the Black Earth
that maintains an invisible floor-to-ceiling cylinder that cultists in Red Larch—the so-called Bringers ofWoe—
is 10 feet wide. Visible to detect magic (transmutation hear about the characters’exploration of the tomb.
school), the column enables objects placed and left in They don’t want anyone to expose their manipulation
it to float where released. The column can hold up to of the town elders, so they slip into the tomb via the
500 pounds. Objects in excess of this weight fall. If the north tunnel in area T1 and hunt down the party. These
characters move the rock, which weighs 20 pounds, out cultists can catch up to the party here, or ifyou prefer,
of the column, it is freed from the effect and crashes to in area T9.
the floor.
If the party enters the dungeon before the sinkhole
T 7. D w arf S ta tu e occurs, townsfolk or cult watchers near Mellikho
Stoneworks or Waelvur’s Wagonworks notice the
This fifty-foot-square chamber is hewn out of rock. The characters’activities. The cultists hurry to whichever
floor is rough but flat, the walls showthe chisel-marks of entrance the characters didn’t use and begin
the original builders, and the ceiling is about ten feet high. searching the tomb.
Identical stone doors with iron pull-ring handles stand in
the middle ofthe east, north, and west walls. The Bringers ofWoe are six bandits whose leather
armor bears the symbol of the Black Earth cult. (This
Inthe center ofthe room stands a life-sized and lifelike encounter is hard for a party that is only 1st level.) When
statue of a dwarfwarrior wearing a chain shirt, helm, the Bringers ofWoe meet the adventurers, the bandits
and big boots. He carries a shield on his left arm and a grimly and confidently say, “We are the Bringers ofWoe.
battleaxe in his right hand. The statue has clearly been We have come to reward your curiosity.”The cultists
broken into, roughly, the head and upper torso, lower then attack, fighting to the death. Three hang back and
torso, and legs. These pieces have been reassembled and shoot at spellcasters, concentrating fire on one foe at a
held together and upright in a stout wooden frame. A time. The other three advance to tie up the rest of the
dagger along with several coins and gems lie on the floor in party in melee.
front ofthe statue, surrounded byan ring offine gravel.
T 8 . A pproach
The statue is a petrified and long-dead dwarf. On the
frame holding it together, a small, neat inscription reads: Apassage—ten feet wide, ten feet high, and hewn out of

Petrified Ironstar (?) dwarf, the rock—runs forty feet ahead. Asmall lantern hangs
found 1459 DR in Red Larch West Quarry
from a hook inthe wall next to the door at the east end of
in broken condition.
the passage. Sitting on a wooden stool bythe lantern is a
The ring of gravel surrounds the statue at a distance of
5 feet, intended to mark a suitably respectful distance balding, beardless old male human in patched and faded
from the statue. Believers have a tradition of leaving
small valuables here for luck. Larrakh urges them to work trousers and a matching tunic. He is idlywhittling a
bring more each tenday so he can collect it and take it
with him when he leaves Red Larch. stick.

Treasure The human is an elder of Red Larch named Baragustas
Offerings left here by the Believers include 440 cp, 253 Harbuckler, a retired carpenter (male Tethyrian human
sp, and 97 gp. Six small green agates (worth 5 gp each) commoner).
and two polished moonstones (worth 50 gp each) are
among the coins. Roleplaying Baragustas. Baragustas, a Believer,
is unarmed and afraid of the characters. He throws
To encourage the Believers, Larrakh left a +1 dagger himself to the floor and begs for mercy. Baragustas is
decorated with star motifs and a grip of night-blue too weak to put up any sort of a fight, but he wrings his
leather. Dried blood still coats the dagger from its use hands and begs the characters not to provoke “the wrath
in killing and carving symbols on the murder victims in of the Delvers”by disturbing the stones of the tomb
area T5. The dagger doesn’t make noise when it hits or (area T9).
cuts something.
Baragustas knows everything that Braelen knows
(see area T4). He freely acknowledges the existence
of the Believers and explains the mystery of the
moving stones, telling the characters, “From time to
time, the great stones change position when no one is
watching. That is how they talk to us. They show us
signs of coming danger and warn us when we make
bad choices.”

The old carpenter knows much about the Believers’ An enormous chamber with a twenty-foot ceiling has
influence in Red Larch over the years. The recent
involvement with “the earth priests”who help them been carved out ofthe rock here. Alighted lantern rests
to understand the moving stones is something he idly on the floor near the center ofthe room. An odd array of
mentions. He is quite intimidated by Larrakh, and more
scared of the earth cultists than he is of the adventurers. stone monoliths—some upright standing stones, and

Baragustas isn’t as innocent as he acts. He denies others arranged inthree-stone arches—stand around
knowledge of murders or any other foul play, feigning
surprise at the mention of evidence such as the corpses the chamber. Sixlowstone slabs are set against the walls
in area T5. The old man had no hand in such activities,
but his denial is a lie. He knows of the murders. around the perimeter ofthe room. Each holds humanoid

Treasure bones, dressed in scraps oftattered cloth and rusted iron.
Baragustas has 25 cp and 19 sp on him. He also has a
simple silver wedding band worth 10 gp. Larrakh is hidden behind one of the larger stones. He
spends almost all his time in this chamber, studying the
T 9 . C ham ber o f M oving S to n es old stones and experimenting with the magical floor.
When he sees the characters, he lashes out at them with
If the characters speak to Baragustas in area T8 or his magic.
examine the door to this area, a Black Earth priest (see
chapter 7) named Larrakh hears them. If he does, he Roleplaying Larrakh. Larrakh uses the stones in the
quickly sets down his lantern and hides. The following chamber for cover, but he has no intention of fighting to
descriptive text assumes this is the case: the death. If this place has been discovered and he can’t
swiftly and easily eliminate the intruders, Larrakh tries
to flee through a secret door (see below). He triggers a
rock fall to cover his escape.

Larrakh is in disgrace among the Black Earth
priesthood after bungling some earlier missions. He
is determined to conquer Red Larch without violence
by subverting and exploiting the Believers. Before the
adventurers came along, he planned to ensnare the

Believers with ever-darker acts of obedience and evil, until you are ready to carry on with the next part of the
then take over the town through his new servants. adventure.) He carries four Mirabar trade bars, each
a foot-long spindle of iron, like two long, four-sided
Bringers of Woe. If the characters didn’t already fight pyramids joined at the base. These bars are genuine,
the Bringers ofWoe (see area T7), they fight them here so they make a distinctive tone when struck. They are
instead. The Bringers show up late for the fight, arriving worth 5 gp each. Any character native to the North
from area T8 or the secret door a few minutes after the recognizes the city’s distinctive currency.
party defeats Larrakh or he makes his escape.
C onclusion
Bones. Upon the stone slabs are the bones of human
miners who discovered this chamber before Red Larch The aftermath of the discovery of the Tomb of Moving
was founded. None of the skeletons are intact; each has Stones depends on how the last fewencounters played
a crushed limb, chest cavity, or head. The injuries are out, in particular the discovery of bodies in area T5. The
consistent with mining accidents. The Believers revere corpses are those of murder victims.
these skeletons, calling them “the Delvers,”and leave
the bodies untouched. If the characters didn’t pay much attention to the
bodies, then the remaining Believers are able to
Secret Door. In the southeastern corner is a secret abscond with them and bury them elsewhere before
door that requires a successful DC 15 Intelligence Harburk finds them. Red Larch is scandalized, but it’s a
(Investigation) check to find by noticing the unmortared matter of secrets and lies, not murder and justice.
stone outlining the door. It swivels on a central point,
making a narrow opening to either side. The tunnel If the characters expressed curiosity about the bodies,
leads to the quarry pit in Mellikho Stoneworks (Red or ifyou deem it likely that Constable Harburk reached
Larch, area 18). area T5 before Believers did, then matters grow more
serious. Harburk quickly draws the correct conclusion
The earth cultists use this passage to enter and exit that the Believers are the murderers. The constable
the tomb, and the Believers have disguised it to keep launches a full-fledged investigation.
away the curious. Farther in, the tunnel is partially
blocked with dusty canvas, broken beams, and loose If he can, Harburk questions Grund and Baragustas.
rock to make it look like it has collapsed. AMedium or Grund didn’t kill anyone or witness the murders,
smaller creature can carefully pick a way through the but admits to helping stash the corpses. He says
debris. If someone uses an action to yank out a shoring Albaeri Mellikho and Ilmeth Waelvur oversaw the
timber, the jumble does collapse. Then, a 10-foot section process. Baragustas is also innocent of any overt
of the tunnel is buried in the heap, blocking passage. wrongdoing, so he’s quick to confirm Grund’s story and
Removing the debris takes a fewhours of work. exonerate himself.

Moving Stones. This area was a large storage cellar Marlandro Gaelkur, Albaeri Mellikho, and Ilmeth
and workshop carved out by the dwarves of Besilmer Waelvur are the actual culprits. Mellikho maintains her
thousands ofyears ago. The dwarves left behind an odd innocence in the face of all evidence, blustering loudly.
array of pillars, threshold stones, lintels, and carved Waelvur breaks down and confesses his involvement,
stone doors. Human miners from the ancient kingdom and he implicates Mellikho. Gaelkur plays it cool as long
of Phalorm discovered the dwarven delving. The miners as he can, and tries flees town a few tendays later when
chose to bury their dead here. Until the Believers of Red it becomes clear Waelvur is about to implicate him as
Larch discovered it, the chamber was forgotten again. well. The murderers also tell of Larrakh’s part in the
scandal, and of their use of his magic dagger.
The dwarves enchanted the chamber floor to levitate
stone in contact with it, so the floor’s magic can be This drama plays out over the course of the next
detected with detect magic (transmutation school). A month, with some Believers fleeing the town and others
moderate impact on the floor, such as a dropped object disavowing any knowledge of the murders. It might be
weighing at least 1pound or a firm stamp of the foot, tempting for the characters to get involved, but they have
activates the levitation effect, which lasts for 1minute. the four elemental cults to contend with. Justice for the
When the floor is active, the stones hover less than Believers can play out in the background during the
an inch off the floor, and they move with a light touch. characters’next fewvisits to Red Larch.
Thus, minor earth tremors can cause the stones to
move. Intruders, even beasts, can move stones about S id e T r e k s
accidentally.
Dangerous, seemingly unrelated situations are arising
The Believers have never figured out the magic, in widely scattered places, from Yartar to Womford
and none have seen the stones levitating. Larrakh and the Westwood to the High Forest. None of these
and the Black Earth cultists discovered how the troubles can be set right for good until the elemental
floor works. They have been amusing themselves by prophets and their cults are defeated, but that doesn’t
shifting the stones around and telling the Believers mean these secondary events can be allowed to fester.
that the mysterious movements are fearsome signs of Characters might conclude that some of these problems
impending doom. are so dire that they must be dealt with immediately,
even if that means diverting attention away from their
Treasure campaign against Elemental Evil.

Larrakh was part of the attack on the Mirabar
delegation described in chapter 3. (News of the
delegation’s disappearance doesn’t reach Red Larch

U sing th e T rek s Vale ofDancing Waters. Asacred dwarven shrine
falls silent, leading the characters to investigate. They
Side treks presented in this chapter are summarized in learn that a murderous villain has captured the holy site.
this section, along with their level. Options for involving This adventure is designed for an 8th-level party.
the characters are presented in the next section and
in the side treks themselves. Some are directly related Dark Dealings in Yartar. Criminals are auctioning
to the elemental cults, and others are situations off a devastation orb to the highest bidder, and the
unconnected to the cults that demand immediate characters must recover it first. This adventure is
attention. These short adventures can provide a good designed for a 9th-level party.
change of pace.
Rundreth Manor. Asinister entity known only as
NewManagement. When the innkeeper of the the Dark Lady lurks in Rundreth Manor, overlooking
Bargewright Inn is called away, the characters are the Long Road. For years, caravans have hurried by in
asked to step in and manage things for a few days. safety, but now dead bodies are appearing on the road.
Zhentarim infighting makes what should be a routine Something has changed, and not for the better. This
task far more challenging. This adventure is designed adventure is designed for 10th-level characters.
for 3rd-level characters, although it is equally playable at
lower and higher levels. Halls ofthe Hunting Axe. The legendary burial place
of King Torhild Flametongue, founder of the ancient
Iceshield Orcs. An orc tribe displaced by the natural dwarf kingdom of Besilmer, is the Halls of the Hunting
disasters caused by the elemental cults launches a Axe. When a young dwarven noble sets out to find the
series of raids against homesteaders in the eastern part dwarf-king’s tomb, the characters discover he’s not the
of the valley. This adventure is designed for 4th-level only one after the prize. This adventure is designed for
characters. 11th-level characters.

The Long Road. Trade in the Dessarin Valley is Faction Influence
grinding to a halt. It is now vital to make sure that a The side treks provide excellent opportunities to
caravan gets from Bargewright Inn to Triboar. This highlight each character’s allegiance to a major faction.
adventure is designed for a 5th-level party. Different factions are concerned about different
situations. Side treks that are especially suitable for
Curse ofthe Fire Witch. The Cult of the Black Earth each faction include the following:
sets a trap for the characters by spreading rumors of a
fire witch terrorizing the Nettlebee halfling clan. This • The Emerald Enclave is concerned about the Iceshield
adventure is designed for 6th-level characters. orc raids and stories of a despoiled Uthgardt barrow
near Nettlebee Ranch.

• The Harpers are worried about the threat posed by
the Dark Lady of Rundreth Manor. They are also
intent on protecting the treasures hidden in the Halls
of the Hunting Axe.

• The Lords’Alliance sees the need to show ordinary
merchants that the Long Road is still safe. Later on,
the alliance decides that it’s time for the legendary
weapon of King Torhild Flametongue, long buried in
the Halls of the Hunting Axe, to be brought back into
the light of day.

• The Order of the Gauntlet is worried about the
Iceshield orc raids. They also want to make sure
the hidden shrine in the Vale of Dancing Waters
remains safe.

• The Zhentarim are anxious to restore the normal flow
of commerce in the region, getting caravans moving
on the Long Road. They also have concerns at the
Bargewright Inn.

N ew M an ag em en t

The Bargewritght Inn depends on regular supply runs
downriver by barge from Yartar, but its regular supply
boat is overdue. The innkeeper, Nalaskur Thaelond,
a Zhentarim operative, is mounting a supply run to
Waterdeep to talk matters over with his superiors there.
He needs someone to mind the inn in his absence.

Nalaskur works with but doesn’t trust Chalaska
Muruin, a terse, cold-eyed human veteran. Chalaska
is the Senior Sword, master of the inn’s forty guards
(known as Swords). Chalaska runs the community, but

she knows Nalaskur is her counterbalance, and he has characters to run the inn for a tenday or so, promising
orders to spy on her, as she does him. Chalaska doesn’t handsome pay and a good recommendation to his
like Nalaskur and would enjoy seeing him permanently superiors. If the characters accept, Nalaskur designates
removed. The Zhentarim could promptly replace one character (preferably someone associated with the
Nalaskur, but such a replacement wouldn’t know the Zhentarim) as the innkeeper and tells him or her where
inn’s functions were rearranged to Chalaska’s benefit. the keys are, and of the importance of those keys (see
the “Key Duty” section below). He is in a hurry to leave,
This situation leaves Thaelond unwilling to appoint so he doesn’t hand them over personally.
Muruin as his temporary replacement while he travels
to Waterdeep. Instead, he prefers to frustrate her and If the characters refuse, Thaelond leaves them a note
have an easy scapegoat for anything that goes wrong. about the keys and travels to Waterdeep. Before doing
so, he tells the inn staff the characters accepted the job.
Unknown to Chalaska and Nalaskur, an ambitious Others in the Bargewright Inn rush to the characters
Zhentarim agent named Inglor Brathren (male dwarf when things start to go wrong.
spy) has established a cover identity as a handyman,
allowing him to see and overhear secrets. Inglor thinks If the characters have no connection to the Zhentarim,
Nalaskur is lining his pockets at the expense of the someone they’ve befriended or owe a favor to agrees to
Zhentarim. He suspects that Chalaska is turning a blind run the inn. That person then begs the characters for
eye to Nalaskur’s skimming, but he fears Chalaska and aid. Alternatively, the characters are merely present as
can’t accuse her without proof. Inglor decides both need events unfold.
framing and replacing.
Since the Zhentarim controls the Bargewright Inn,
S etup any number of scouts, spies, and thugs might be
present in the inn complex. These agents could be at
This adventure occurs when the characters encounter rest or on special missions. In any case, all of them look
Nalaskur Thaelond (male half-elf spy). He asks the out for Zhentarim interests.

K ey D u ty Kendrin usually sells exotic animals and their parts
around the northern Sword Coast. Trade troubles along
The innkeeper’s foremost duty is ensuring keys to the the Long Road have him on edge.
gates and crucial inner doors remain safe from foes of
the Zhentarim. The organization’s negotiations, trade, Inglor learned all this information from Kendrin in an
and logistical preparations must remain secure. All the earlier taproom interaction. Inglor also slipped a note to
keys are hung in a cabinet in the innkeeper’s office near Kendrin. That note reads. “They’re watching. You aren’t
the tavern taproom. The cabinet and office are locked safe here.”
when no one is using the office.
When confronted in his room. Kendrin (male
The black, thick-barreled keys are as long as a big Chondathan human noble) is packing. He drops a
human’s hand, with distinctive red teardrops painted on wooden box and takes off running, out of his head and
their handle ends. The number of red drops identifies screaming in fear. When the box falls, it breaks and
which lock each key belongs to. releases four exotic spiders. He has dropped the note
on his bed.
Six keys go missing immediately after Nalaskur
leaves for Waterdeep. Inglor, keen to impugn Nalaskur’s Kendrin shoves or punches anyone who gets in his
judgment, steals them and stashes them in a chest in way. He draws a weapon only if one is used against him.
the attic of the southern tower. At the latest, characters When he eventually scuffles with one of the Swords, all
notice the keys are gone from their usual location when the Swords converge to capture him.
Chalaska asks for some so she can lock up for the night.
Kendrin isn’t a member of the Zhentarim. When
The six missing keys unlock the outer wall’s main finally brought to heel, with regard to Grendo’s note, he
gate, the outer wall’s postern, two similar inner wall has no idea of any intrigues or who Chalaska is. As for
gates, the meeting rooms in the southern inn tower, the second note, he admits his troubles.
and the strong room at the base of the northern tower.
This last room is where the Zhentarim store pay chests, S tro n g Room B u r g l a r y
stolen items, valuables, and important objects.
While everyone is dealing with Kendrin, Inglor takes
Search fo r th e Keys the opportunity to find out what’s hidden in Nalaskur’s
strong room. To discredit Chalaska, for allowing the
When it becomes clear that the keys are missing, burglary, and Nalaskur. for leaving the Bargewright
Chalaska sounds an alarm and doubles the guards on in incompetent hands. Inglor takes 500 gp. He then
the gates. She then calls for the other Swords to search ransacks the room.
the fortified community and its visitors.
Before leaving the strong room, Inglor carefully places
The character who has the highest Wisdom and was two distinctive silver fox-head buttons that he stole from
in the taproom just before the keys came up missing a dress shirt of Chalaska’s. Most of Bargewright’s locals
remembers a well-dressed human male who left the and all the Swords recognize the buttons. Inglor then
tavern quicklyjust before Chalaska asked for the keys. leaves with the door ajar.
If the character succeeds on a DC 10 Wisdom (Insight)
check, he or she remembers the man looked worried Inglor stashes 200 gp in the chest where he previously
and held a small note in his hand. hid the keys. He then sneaks the keys and 300 gp into
Chalaska’s bedroom.
Suspicion Spreads. As a search effort gets underway,
Chalaska says to the new innkeeper, “What are you Its possible the characters spot Inglor about his
going to do about the missing keys? Maybe they aren’t skulduggery. When moving around the inn, though,
missing at all!” She then orders four Swords to frisk he doesn’t usually act in a suspicious way. He’s a
the innkeeper, searching for the keys. Chalaska is handyman, and he has a reason to be just about
distrustful but willing to accept that the innkeeper anywhere in the inn.
doesn’t currently have the keys.
G e n e ral A larm
In the case of violence, the Swords try to disarm and
subdue rather than kill. Chalaska is hard-nosed but not After the burglary, Inglor goes into the other areas
murderous. She and her fellows also back down from a of Bargewright Inn. Among the locals, he starts a
superior force. whispering campaign about something odd going
on inside the inn. He reminds those who listen that
Unlucky Kendrin Chalaska is responsible for security.

When the commotion starts over the keys, the second If no one raises the alarm about the strong room
phase of Inglor’s plan unfolds. within a few hours, Inglor “discovers”its door ajar in the
morning. Due to Inglor’s gossip the night before, more
Grendo’s Note. Inglor planted a note on Grendo, people than usual are in the inn’s taproom for breakfast.
a young tavern server (male Tethyrian human He announces the problem publicly and urges someone
commoner). Grendo finds the note when everyone is to investigate. The dwarf even volunteers to be the first
turning out their pockets for the Swords. The crumpled searched if that might “get things going.”
parchment reads, “Tell Kendrin Feldarr it’s Chalaska.”
Grendo doesn’t know how he got the note and has never As the investigation proceeds, he says, “I heard there
met someone named Kendrin. He’s afraid of (and a little was some sort of kerfuffle over Chalaska last night.
smitten with) Chalaska, so he’s completely honest. Someone had a note about her?” He later adds, “Nothing
like this happened while Nalaskur was in charge. Maybe
Finding Kendrin. The guest book shows a merchant he should have been here.”
named Kendrin Feldarr is staying at the inn.

C o n clusion loot. They take the families as slaves and force them to
tow the conveyances back to the Iceshield lodges.
At this point, the clues all point at Chalaska. The strong
room has her buttons. Her room contains the keys and Some independent-minded squads of orcs decided
some stolen gold, as well as her damaged shirt. She that the fertile land of the homesteads was more
grows more agitated as the evidence mounts. As the appealing than serving as underlings in their own
Senior Sword, she takes a gamble, influencing some lodges, and they killed the original owners to occupy
loyal Swords to help her. The renegades bar themselves the land. They have no intention of farming the crops
in the strong room. or tending the livestock, but they intend to stay until the
food runs out, then move on to the next settlement.
Athorough search might turn up the chest in the
southern tower’s attic and the gold there. In this case, The homesteaders, in conjunction with members of
Inglor’s greed might be his undoing. His bootprints are the Emerald Enclave and the Order of the Gauntlet,
in the dust on the attic’s floor. Chalaska’s aren’t. asked the elves of the High Forest for aid. The
elves organized hunting parties to put an end to the
Nalaskur returns to find the Bargewright Inn in the disturbance. Now the farmers and ranchers are trying to
state the characters’decisions lead to. With his ledger, hang on long enough for the elves to quell the uproar.
he confirms that 500 gp is missing from the store room,
not just 300. This final discovery might lead to another S e tu p
search that eventually points to Inglor, who is the only
dwarf on staff inside the inn. While traveling through the area, the characters
discover the burning homestead of the Anderil Farm.
If not, Inglor succeeds. Chalaska is discredited and Orcs attacked, taking a few farmers prisoner and setting
removed from service. Nalaskur loses face with the the place ablaze. From there, the characters travel to the
Zhentarim, as do the characters. Dellmon Ranch, where they can aid in its defense until
help from High Forest elves arrives.
Ic e sh ie ld O rc s

Orc raids are common occurrences throughout the
frontier, as small bands of orcs steal livestock or waylay
the occasional supply wagon. In recent days, a tribe
hiding in the rough lands east of the Sumber Hills
has become markedly bolder. The Iceshield orcs are
attacking farms and cattle ranches throughout the
region, and orc scouts have been sighted by patrols less
than a day’s ride from Yartar.

Although the folkwho live in the area
are hardy and independent, capable of
handling the occasional raid, the reports
of organized orc war bands have them
worried. The farmers and ranchers
take steps to protect themselves, but
they also look for adventurers willing
to stop the orcs from running amok on
their lands.

B ackground

The Iceshield orcs reside in a handful
of lodges spaced about a day apart along
the western edge of the High Forest.
They have long been a thorn in the side
of the denizens of that wood and the
settlers who farm and ranch in the plains
to the west. Now the Iceshields have become
a prominent threat. Disruptions to the weather
and landscape due to the powerful magic being used
by the elemental cults has been taken as a sign from
Gruumsh that blood and gold must flowfrom the lands
of lesser races.

The orcs seek supply sources in the valley. Scouts
found that the farmers and ranchers in the area are
prime options. Now, roving war bands attack the
frontier families directly, raiding the homesteads with
impunity. In addition to stealing livestock, the Iceshields
take any carts and wagons they find, loading them with

Alternatively, use one of the following options to draw crying for help. Once someone enters through the front
the characters into this side trek: door, read the following:

• The next time the characters head into town for The front room is filled with heat and smoke, and flames
recuperation, supplies, or any other errand, they lickthe ceiling. Aslender half-elfwith a bloody gash on his
hear about the orc raids from displaced locals, who forehead is sprawled on the floor, feebly trying to rise. He
ask for help. struggles to sit up when he sees you. “Maygan!” he cries.
“Mywife! Please find her!”Then he collapses again in
• Members of the Order of the Gauntlet, perhaps in another fit ofcoughing.
Summit Hall, look for other faction members to find
Erned Stoutblade, because he hasn’t been heard from Selwyn (a commoner with 1 hit point remaining) can
in several days (see the “Dellmon Ranch”section). be easily carried or led outside. Once outside, it takes
him a few minutes to clear his lungs. Selwyn is frantic
• Members of the Emerald Enclave are worried about about the fate of his wife. Aquick search of the burning
missing members of the delegation sent to meet with house reveals that no one else, dead or alive, is inside.
the elves of the High Forest and need someone to No remains can be found in the barn.
search for them (see the “Dellmon Ranch”section).
Using the animal messenger spell, the delegation sent Selwyn relates as much he can remember about what
a message, saying, “We’re trapped at Dellmon Ranch happened before he was beaten to unconsciousness.
and besieged by an orc war band. Safe for now, but we If the characters include him in any discussion of
dare not leave. Send aid. Make sure they’re tough.” following the wagon tracks, he insists on going with
them. Otherwise, he frantically looks around for any
Smoke on th e H orizon clue that reveals what happened to her and the Lavelle
brothers and sets out on foot by himself.
This encounter occurs early in the day. As the party
travels, they spot smoke. Read the following text: Rescue Mission
The wagon and boot tracks of the departing orcs and
The trail emerges from a dry gulch. Acolumn ofthick, their prisoners are obvious in the loose soil. Once found,
black smoke rises at a slight angle over the trees. It looks they are easy to follow.
like something is burning just over the next ridge.
The procession of orcs, prisoners, and wagon doesn’t
The burning farm is within five minutes’travel. Once move very fast, so it’s not difficult for the characters to
the characters approach within sight, read the following: catch up. Pursuing characters reach the orcs within
thirty minutes of following their trail. If the characters
Afiercely burning homestead is nestled in a small valley move cautiously despite the rush to catch up, then they
slightly belowyour position at the top ofthe ridge. The can gain surprise. Otherwise, the orcs spot them as they
barn is a smoking ruin and the house is halfconsumed by approach. In any case, read the following aloud:
fire. Panicked livestock scrambles about a fenced corral on
the far side ofthe barn. Four brutish orcs surround a wagon sitting inthe shade of
some stunted trees along a dry riverbed. Two human males
Selwyn Anderil, a male half-elf, and his human wife, in plain farming clothes have collapsed near the front of
Maygan, have lived on this farm for eight years. Maygan the vehicle. The wagon’s wheels are sunk several inches
is expecting the couple’s first child. They employ two into the loose, sandy soil. Afemale human is inthe wagon,
laborers, a pair ofyoung human brothers named Ob and among supplies and other loot.
Fip Lavelle who came to the region from Waterdeep to
escape city life and enjoy the country. The four orcs are emboldened by their recent success
raiding several homesteads. They immediately attack,
Iceshield orcs attacked the homestead about an throwing their javelins first, and then moving toward the
hour ago, taking Maygan and the brothers captive. characters to engage them in melee. If Selwyn is with
They gravely wounded Selwyn, who was beaten into the group, he doesn’t fight the orcs but instead rushes
unconsciousness while trying to protect his wife. The toward the wagon to free Maygan. The Lavelle brothers
orcs forced the brothers to load the family’s wagon with are too weary to assist in any fight.
everything the orcs thought they could use. After setting
fire to the barn and house, the orcs departed, forcing the Even if the characters win the fight and successfully
brothers to pull the wagon. Maygan was stuffed in the rescue the homesteaders, the Anderils’place is ruined
wagon among the cargo. and they must find shelter for the night. They had heard
about other homesteaders gathering at the Dellmon
Saving Selwyn Ranch to defend against the raiding parties and would
Selwyn is just returning to consciousness in the house’s like to go there. They ask the characters to escort them.
front room when the characters arrive. The fire was set If the adventurers agree, the group can reach Dellmon
at the back side of the building and is moving toward the Ranch in a couple hours.
front. Selwyn is woozy and can’t save himself.

If any characters approach within 60 feet of the house,
they hear Selwyn coughing from the smoke and feebly

D ellm on R anch meting out justice to the Iceshield tribe. He has
been trying to bring retribution to the orcs for their
The Dellmon family has lived in this area for depredations, and he just arrived with news that
several generations and is well known by the other a large orc war band is nearby and heading in the
homesteaders in the region. They are a wealthy family, ranch’s direction. There’s not enough time to flee, and
having worked hard to cultivate their land, and they everyone is hunkering down to defend the compound
aren’t willing to let a bunch of orcs drive them off. as best as they can.
They’ve heard the stories of the rampaging orc war • Stowal and Branikan are brothers (male shield
bands and seen the scouts nearby. When the attacks dwarf guards) who serve as the area’s blacksmiths,
began on the smaller homesteads in the vicinity, Kerbin tinkerers, and general laborers-for-hire.
Dellmon sent out word that anyone could stay at their • The remaining defenders consist of eighteen farm and
compound for safety. Anumber of farmers and ranchers ranch folk, as well as a few Emerald Enclave allies.
took the Dellmons up on their offer. Twelve able-bodied commoners wield handaxes,
sickles, or spears. Half have shortbows. Four warriors
Every able-bodied person on the premises pitched in (guards) and two hunters (scouts) round out the other
to help bolster the defenses. They built a series of low defenders.
earth ridges and ditches as defensive works running • Sixteen people make up a group of noncombatant
between the various buildings (see the map) and put adults and children. Half can carry ammunition, tend
together makeshift crenellations on the roof lines for the injured, or watch over the elderly and very young.
missile combatants. They also stockpiled weapons and
caches of ammunition. The C haracters’ Role
Let the characters take the lead on how to set up the
The Dellmon Family defense of the ranch. The rest of the defenders listen
Kerbin Dellmon (male Tethyrian human noble), to them and do their best to carry out the characters’
patriarch of the Dellmon family, refused to leave his plans. Give the players a few minutes to situate
home despite the fact that his family is in danger themselves, then begin the attacks.
and might have been safer retreating to Yartar. He’s
determined to stay and fight, and nothing anyone has R u n n in g t h e Siege
said has changed his mind. Kerbin’s daughter Dreena
sent a message to the elves of the High Forest, but no You have a few options on how to run the battle.
one knows if or when they might respond. As far as they Consider the following:
know, the ranch’s defenders are on their own.

Other Dellmon family members present at the ranch
include the following people:

• Kerbin’s oldest child, Perd (male Tethyrian human
noble), agrees with his father’s never-give-in mentality.
Perd is concerned for the safety of the children and
privately wonders if staying was a mistake.

• Perd’s wife, Marka (female Tethyrian human scout)
worries about whether they are safe.

• Kerbin’s middle child, Dreena (female Tethyrian
human druid) is a budding member of the Emerald
Enclave. She was part of the delegation sent to meet
the elves, and she sent the distress message to the
enclave. The Emerald Enclave doesn’t know, but
Dreena also sent a distress message to the elves of the
High Forest with an animal messenger spell.

• Kerbin’s younger son, Fyndrick (male Tethyrian
human guard), is a hothead and has been agitating to
confront the orcs before they lay siege to the ranch.

• Perd and Marka’s children, Livi (female) and Thrade
(male), aren’t old enough to fight, though Thrade has
hidden a dagger beneath his bed.

Ranch Workers and Guests
The Dellmons have many laborers and guests, including
the following people:

• Flameran Verminbane, a lightfoot halfling scout, is a
member of the Emerald Enclave and the delegation to
the elves.

• Erned Stoutblade, a Tethyrian human knight and
member of the Order of the Gauntlet, came from
Yartar with the intention of defending the weak and

• You can treat each defender and orc as an individual, C o nclusion
and run the combat as a long, complex encounter.
Ifyou do so, the players should control some The orcs are slain, scattered, or sent running back to
of the NPCs. their lodges. Farmers and ranchers hail the characters
as heroes and pool meager resources to offer a reward
• You can streamline parts of the fight. The map of of 25 gp per character. Members of the Emerald Enclave
the ranch has been divided into specific zones, and or Order of the Gauntlet receive appropriate kudos.
you can run regular battles only in the zone(s) player Those could include renown, ifyou’re using the optional
characters occupy, summarizing results from the rule described in chapter 1. “AWorld of Your Own,” of
other zones based on how you’d like the narrative to the Dungeon Master's Guide. Increase the reward from
work. This method increases speed of play and lowers the faction, and the locals’opinion of the adventurers,
complexity. if the characters refuse to take money from the farm
and ranch folk. Those people immediately set about
• You can concentrate solely on the characters and their rebuilding their lives.
foes, glossing over all of the other fighting and just
making an educated guess as to the outcome. This T he L ong R oad
method is the quickest for resolving the battle.
This side trek begins when the characters learn from
The orcs could easily defeat twice their number of worried Zhentarim shopkeepers of Bargewright Inn
commoners, but with the defenses available to the that they’ve been having supply problems recently. This
ranchers, the odds improve considerably. The ranchers side trek happens only if the characters sign on to the
don’t have to defeat the orcs outright. Theyjust have to Zhentarim caravan.
survive. You want to create tension and make it seem
like the outcome teeters on the brink of disaster. Near Customarily, a barge from Yartar arrives on a regular
the end of the battle, the elves show up as described in schedule to deliver the wares that the Bargewrighters
the “Relief Arrives”section. order to sell, including buckles, swivel-rings, nails,
sheaths, finished leatherwork, and food and drinkables.
In itial Surge However, last month the barges came late, orders were
The first sign that the orcs have arrived occurs when short changed, and the prices for what little did arrive
their scouts appear on the low ridges all around the went up steeply.
compound. Soon after, small bands of orcs spread out,
surrounding the buildings. With the blast of a horn, they The Zhentarim believes intrigue in Yartar is to blame:
all rush the structures simultaneously. The battle is on. someone wants to harm the Black Network’s profits.
Zhentarim sgents first suspected the Harpers, but
The war band includes forty orcs led by a lone orog trusted spies recently reported back that an unknown
and his second-in-command, an orc Eye of Gruumsh. organization seems to be at work in Yartar.
When the orcs are within range, they throwjavelins at
any visible targets. The next round, they charge to close None of the reports that reach the Bargewright Inn
the distance and attack with melee weapons. After two contain any hint of the truth, but the troublemakers are
or three rounds, the orcs retreat. members of the Kraken Society, trying to destabilize
Yartar so they can replace the current Waterbaron with
The orcs repeat this pattern several times, perhaps their own stooge. Then the new Waterbaron can swiftly
breaching a spot here or there before the defenders fix the troubles and thereby win local support. The
push them back. Then they start trying different tactics. Black Network is an incidental casualty in this scheme.

Smoke Screen Regardless of why the “troubles” are occurring, the
Late in the day, the orcs start a grass fire upwind from Zhentarim wants the situation fixed fast. The Black
the compound to create cover for themselves. Thick Network intends to mount two expeditions to Triboar,
white smoke drifts through the compound and makes one by river on a barge and one by overland caravan.
the area lightly obscured. Anything more than 30 feet Both missions take coin to purchase new supplies,
from a viewer is heavily obscured by the smoke. The recruit new suppliers, and fund their spies in Triboar to
orcs use the smoke to move closer before launching identify who’s behind the supply problems in Yartar.
their attacks.
The characters become involved in the overland
Starting a Fire caravan, because the Zhentarim think they’re perfect
During the night, the orcs sneak close enough to the for the job. Any fast caravan guarded by a sizable
buildings to set them on fire. They hope the defenders contingent of armed Zhentarim mercenaries indicates
are unable to put the fires out and protect the perimeter a rich target to anyone in this part of the North. For
from breaches. the same reason, the Zhents dare not hire the retired
bodyguards, adventurers, and mercenaries who live in
Relief Arrives and around Beliard, for fear rumors might spread all
At dawn, the orcs make a final push. It should seem like over the Dessarin Valley about a pay caravan.
they might overwhelm the defenders in several spots,
and get inside the compound. Suddenly, the melodious S e tu p
tone of an elven war horn sounds, and a company of
twenty-five elven soldiers (a mix of guards, acolytes, The Zhentarim wants to start a small caravan from
scouts, and a fewveterans) arrives to help. Womford and use its usual contingent of guards
and drovers. They hire the characters as armed
escorts for Ascaleld Marurryn, a negotiator for a

new Sembian-sponsored merchant coster called the The wagon starts to burn, and the attackers flee back
Rolling Wheel. toward their camp. Anyone pursuing them is led up over
a ridge, straight into an ambush of the massed bandits
Shopkeepers affiliated with the Black Network waiting below the crest.
approach the characters. They are prepared to do so
several times, with each potential employer making Haeler and his guards are preoccupied by the burning
a separate offer of around 20 gp per character. The wagon, because they need to focus on removing the coin
characters could arrange to be paid several times coffers. Fire attracts the monsters in the next encounter.
over for the same work. Their terms are the standard
“quarter up front, second quarter when we get to If no one from the encampment rushes to find who
Triboar, and the last half when the wagons return to fired on them, the bandits return. They use the light of
Bargewright.”If pressed, the patrons add up-front the burning wagon to target individuals. The bandits
bonuses, lump sums paid at the first rest stop on the prefer to harry the caravan from cover and mount an
outbound journey. attack once the defenders are weakened.

The three encounters don’t occur in Red Larch, None of the bandits is willing to die. They retreat so
Westbridge, or within sight of Triboar, but the “Cult they can attack the caravan again later.
Attack”encounter might.
Second B andit A tta c k
The Caravan
The caravan consists of six wagons, each pulled by two Before the second bandit attack, Haeler comes to
oxen and equipped with an axe, a shovel, two buckets, the characters and asks for advice on defending the
and a three-pointed-iron-rod fire spit that can readily be caravan. He’s sure surviving bandits will attack again.
used as three improvised spears. Each wagon carries
two Black Network thugs as armed guards, a drover The bandits attack again on the second night,
(female Tethyrian human commoner), and a drover’s repeating the same tactics but refining their targets to
lad (male Tethyrian human commoner) who tends the reflect what they’ve learned of the caravan’s strengths
beasts and can handle the wagon if anything happens to and weaknesses.
the drover.
Oxen are of little use to the bandits except as food, so
Five of the six wagons carry hidden treasure. Each they target the beasts this time around, hoping to strand
treasure wagon has 100 gp in thin wooden coffers the wagons along the road so they can harry the caravan
concealed under a false floor. All the vehicles are filled defenders at will. Use the rhinoceros statistics for the
with mundane wares to sell in Triboar. The Zhents oxen, but remove the Charge feature.
aren’t happy about traveling overland with large
amounts of gold. Again, the bandits aren’t willing to die to win. The
wounded retreat as soon as they can.
During attacks on the caravan, the thugs defend
themselves first, and then their wagon and drover. They H ow ling H a tre d A tta c k
don’t leave the wagons to hunt down attackers, and they
assist the characters in battle only if doing so offers Just before dawn on the third morning, four Howling
minimal risk to what the thugs consider to be their Hatred initiates (see chapter 7) try to prove their
primary duties. If characters decry this behavior, the usefulness to the air cult by attacking the caravan.
thugs curtly remind them that they all have their orders. They’ve been watching the group for awhile, so they bide
their time, especially if the characters acquit themselves
Commanded by Haeler Thommadur (male Tethyrian well in the second bandit attack. They swoop in, riding
human veteran), the caravan sets out in good weather. giant vultures, and hurl javelins at the characters (not
The route is over the Stone Bridge. It takes a minimum the Zhentarim NPCs or drovers). They try for at least
of three days for a fast caravan in the best weather and one kill, making a second pass before flying away.
without delays.
C onclusion
The caravan makes good time, and although the
sky turns overcast, it doesn’t rain. Well-established The return journey is much quieter, except for random
campsites are plentiful beside the Long Road wherever encounters. The bandits are still licking their wounds,
reasonably level ground and a water source can be and cultists have been reined in by their superiors.
found together. Haeler doesn’t post sentinels outside the
camp. Instead, he rings the wagons and has the thugs C u rse o f th e F ire W itc h
watch from within them.
Wiggan Nettlebee, miserly patriarch of the Nettlebee
B andit A tta c k halfling family, amassed a fortune through shrewd
trade and inheritance. When earth cultists first started
Bandits watch for an opportunity to waylay caravans to explore the region, Wiggan took their money for
on the Long Road. When the characters stop for their information and occasional aid. As he got to know
first night, a large gang of outlaws closes in to try its the cultists, the earth powers they had intrigued him.
luck. The band is made up of sixteen bandits led by one Control over the earth could be valuable for a farmer.
bandit captain. Wiggan’s cult contacts helped remove a couple of his
rivals, and assured him his wealth and influence could
The bandits try to take out sentinels outside the camp only increase as the cult ascended to power.
perimeter first. Otherwise, the attack starts with a volley
of sixteen bolts, lit on fire and all directed at one wagon. Among the Nettlebees, Wiggan’s secret is known only
to his son, Bertram, now an initiate in the earth cult.
The cult has begun its slow indoctrination of the whole

Nettlebee clan, starting with Bertram’s son Watson. Fields. Oats and barley sprawl over two fields in the
Watson is receptive to his father’s and grandfather’s new hilly country near the ranch. Bertram has hidden the
religion, but he remains unaware of its true nature. In cult brand, made at the ranch’s forge, under a scarecrow
fact, Wiggan and Bertram don’t know the cult’s ultimate in the barley field.
aims, only that it reveres a mighty earth power.
The Nettlebees
After the adventurers infiltrate the Sacred Stone The Nettlebee family includes the following people:
Monastery, the cult gives Wiggan a mission. He and his
family must play the parts of meek halflings, lure the • The Nettlebee patriarch. Wiggan Nettlebee (see
party to their isolated ranch, and kill the characters. For chapter 7) is a miserly, cantankerous misanthrope and
his part, Wiggan wants the characters to pay dearly for bitter widower.
any harm they inflicted on his mentor, Hellenrae, the
Abbess of Stone (see chapter 7). • Wiggan’s only son, Bertram (a cult fanatic), is set in
his ways and full of bluster.
S e tu p
• Bertram’s wife, Jayne (a commoner), is a no-nonsense
As part of their assassination plot, Wiggan and Bertram lady who knows how to handle Wiggan, Bertram, and
Nettlebee have constructed an elaborate ruse. They other loudmouths. She is afraid, though, and is most
unearthed a nearby Uthgardt barrow mound and set it concerned for her children.
aflame. This plan was risky, since even Wiggan knows
the Uthgardt barbarians have no tolerance for those • Bertram’s heir and oldest child, at twenty-three,
who desecrate their burial mounds. Watson (a scout) is brave, honest, and forthright.
He takes more after his mother than his father or
Bertram branded the Nettlebee livestock with the grandfather, and he’s angry about the mistreatment
fire symbol. Wiggan claims the mark to be that of a of the cattle. Bertram knows about Wiggan and
“fire witch,”frightening his family with the wild tale. By Bertram’s new religion, but thinks it’s not important,
keeping their relatives ignorant and scared, Wiggan and so he’s unlikely to mention it. He knows nothing about
Bertram feel they can maintain the ruse and more easily Wiggan’s plans.
lure the characters into their trap.
• Just a year younger than Watson, Darrow (a
As the characters adventure in the Sumber Hills, commoner) is Bertram’s next son. He is good
rumor reaches them of a fire witch dwelling in an natured, but his grandfather’s bluster over inheritance
Uthgardt barrow and terrorizing the Nettlebees. Locals has him thinking about his future. He might take to
who visited the ranch confirm the scorched barrow the adventurers a little too readily forJayne’s liking.
mound and describe the symbol. Fearful talk of an evil
fire cult operating in the nearby hills fills every taproom • Bertram’s and Jayne’s only daughter, Elisa (a
in the vicinity. The gossip includes much pity for the commoner), is nineteen. She’s like her mother
Nettlebees, who are known for prize livestock. Ahelpful and very open about disliking her “old goat” of a
citizen might ask the characters to lend a hand. grandfather.

N ettleb ee R anch • The youngest Nettlebee, at twelve, Ignatius is really
just a little boy. Everyone (even Wiggan) favors him, so
Nettlebee Ranch sprawls over a series of low, rolling he’s a happy kid, but the fire witch has him so scared
that he has night terrors.
hills where the forest has been cleared away for crops of
Interviewing th e Nettlebees
oats and barley. The Nettlebees’prize livestock—sheep, Bertram and Wiggan avoid the characters. Wiggan plays
ponies, and cattle—grazes in multitudes upon the hillside the role of a cantankerous old halfling, locked in his
study dealing with matters of trade. If the characters
pastures. The ranch consists of a large two-story house talk to him, he rails on about how much this crisis is
costing him. He pushes the characters to do something
and several lowstalls and granaries. Inthe distance, an about it rather than bothering an old halfling. Bertram
inspects his crops, staying out of the way unless he
unnatural mound ofearth rises over the ranch, its balding is called upon to speak. Then, he makes a blustering
speech about how confident he is the characters can
crown sparsely stubbled with the charred remnants of make the fire witch pay for what she has done.

trees. Jayne, Darrow, Elisa, and Ignatius remain at the
ranch, doing their chores. Watson patrols the pasture,
Characters might investigate the ranch, the pasture, or watching the livestock. When the characters question
the fields. They can also go to the barrow mound, which these innocent Nettlebees about the events, their terror
is described later in its own section. and anger are genuine. They beg the characters to
investigate the barrow and do away with the fire witch
Ranch. The ranch consists of a barn, granaries, and that haunts them.
a half-story house that rambles up and down a small
hill. The house, barn, and granaries are ordinary and They know the following information:
contain equipment standard for a farm.
• Two weeks ago, the barrow mound went up in a blaze.
Pasture. The Nettlebees own one hundred sheep, • Afew days later, Watson noticed the brand on
twelve cows, twelve oxen, and fifteen ponies. Aquarter
of the them have been branded upon the rump with the the cattle.
fire symbol. • Nettlebees took turns guarding the livestock by night.

Slowly but surely, the brands continued to appear.

• Watson investigated the barrow and found it open. Burial Chamber
The massive fieldstone that once stood in the archway When the characters can see the burial chamber better,
had been sundered, and the halls were limned in read the following:
flame. Watson heard terrifying whispers from the
darkness. When he conveyed what he had seen to the Acrude fieldstone arch forms the entrance to the burial
family, Wiggan spoke of legends of fire witches that chamber. Inthree branching alcoves are three scorched
once were said to roam these hills. They fear a fire altars—one ofatiger, another ofan elk, and another of
witch has returned. a bear. Inthe center ofthe chamber is a stone bier upon
which rests a broken and blackened skeleton, its skull
• The Nettlebees feel powerless against the fire witch and limbs scattered about the chamber. The air ofthe
and fear she might soon burn down their ranch. sepulcher is deathly cold and scented with ash.
Watson andJayne are desperate about avoiding
that outcome. The three alcoves contain altars to beast spirits with
early depictions of the Red Tiger totem (west alcove), the
B arrow M ound Elk totem (north alcove), and the Blue Bear totem (east
alcove). Red Tiger and Elk still survive as totem beasts
Long ago, Uthgardt barbarians built the barrow mound of contemporary Uthgardt tribes.
to hold the body of a chieftain, now forgotten. When
Wiggan Nettlebee joined the Cult of the Black Earth, he The stone bier was the resting place of the Uthgardt
looted the barrow mound’s altars, upsetting the spirit of chief’s bones, which now lay scattered across the
the chieftain. pedestal and upon the ground beside it.

Afew days before the characters arrived, Wiggan Cold. The burial hall is cold due to the presence of
and Bertram set the barrow ablaze to lend credence the chieftain’s restless spirit. This cold is extreme, as
to their fire witch ruse. When the characters go to the described in chapter 5, “Adventure Environments,”of
barrow mound, Wiggan and Bertram followthem. They the Dungeon Master's Guide.
keep their distance unless the characters invite them to
come along. The C hieftain’s R eturn
After the characters have a minute to look around, read
When the characters approach the barrow, they see the following:
the following:

The barrowmound caps a high hill overlookingthe
surrounding countryside. The area around the barrowis
still and charred. Burned trees reach like dark fingerbones
fromthe bald earthen mound. It’s noticeably chilly here.

If they accompany the characters openly, Wiggan and
Bertram cower at the edge of the hill. The halflings
refuse to set foot upon the “cursed”ground.

Barrow Mound Entrance
When the characters move to the barrow entrance, read
the following:

Tall monoliths line the earthen corridor that connects the
barrow’s entrance to the burial chamber far within. Motes
offlame light the corridor and the chamber beyond. The air
is cold and heavywith the scent ofash.

In the barrow, the structure is made of monoliths
set into the earth and capped with other fieldstones.
The ceilings are corbeled fieldstone 10 feet high and
supported by carved stone pillars.

Motes of continual flame light the passage and
chambers. The flames produce no heat. They’re
Wiggan’s addition, since the Uthgardt detest magic.
Acharacter who succeeds on a DC 10 Intelligence
(History) check knows of the Uthgardt prejudice.

From the barrow entrance, the characters can see
little within the burial chamber at the end of the hall,
except vague details of the stone bier and the Elk beast
altar at the bier’s head.

The temperature drops further, and with a crackling sound, Adozen barbarians surround Javor, forming a semicircle
frost coats the entire chamber. Flames on the walls and in
the hall go out, and a point of blue light appears over the in front ofthe barrow. Two are mounted on horses. All but
bier and expands into a faintly humanoid form. The bones
inthe tomb, as well as antlers on the elk altar, stir then ignoring your arrival, they look on the returned chieftain
flytogether into the light. In a flash, a massively built but
very pale human male stands before you, his face darkly with awe. One ofthe riders, her forehead marked with a
bearded, and his head crowned with the antlers. His milky
eyes burn with blue flame briefly as he casts his gaze on tattoo ofelk horns, dismounts.
you.
She says, “Mydaughter’s vision was true. This one is the
His voice is deep, resonant, and oddly accented. He says,
“Ireturn from a warrior’s rest among the spirits to find ancient. He is one of us!”
mytomb burned and my bones desecrated. Iknowthe
desecraters are not among you, but who are you and why She kneels before Javor, and her fellows followher lead.
are you here?”
“We come to see you avenged, ancient one,” she says.
The chieftain, Javor, was allowed to come here from
the afterlife due to the overt and callous desecration of Javor nods with grim approval. He says, “You are in time
his tomb—a terrible insult among the Uthgardt. In this
form, he is a revenant. for blood. The desecrater dwells there.”

Javor doesn’t attack, and he is willing to briefly listen He points to the Nettlebee ranch inthe valley belowthe
to the characters, whom he knows to be innocent of
crimes against him. He doesn’t know the name of the barrow. Then, he begins to run inthat direction.
desecraters, but his Vengeful Tracker trait means he
knows where to find Wiggan and Bertram. If asked the Uthgardt of the fierce Elk tribe, as can be discerned
right question, he can tell the characters the desecraters from their garb and markings, this barbarian raiding
are just outside the tomb. band is led by a female berserker named Fennor.
Other members include ten tribal warriors and a male
Meanwhile, Wiggan uses a scroll of conjure elemental. berserker named Padraich. Fennor wears a chain
It takes him 1 minute to cast the spell, and he doesn’t shirt (AC 14), wields a greatsword that deals 10 (2d6
start until all the characters are deep inside the barrow + 3) slashing damage on a hit, and has the Multiattack
mound. An earth elemental answers the summons, and action, allowing her to use an action to make two
Wiggan commands it to collapse the entry tunnel and attacks with her sword. She has a challenge rating
slay anyone inside the barrow. of 3. Padraich wields a maul that deals 10 (2d6 + 3)
bludgeoning damage on a hit. The two berserkers ride
The elemental easily collapses the centuries-old entry warhorses.
tunnel. When it does, read the following text:
Anyone native to the area knows Uthgardt of the Elk
Sunlight coming through the barrow’s entry hall dims, as if tribe are dangerous raiders. Most locals consider them
a shadow has been cast on the entrance. Right afterward, to be savage bandits. Those who are from other regions
a grinding of stone is followed bycascade ofdirt and stone know the Elk tribe reputation with a successful DC 10
inthe hall. Acollapse! Intelligence (History) check.

As the elemental collapses the entry tunnel, Wiggan and Roleplaying the Uthgardt. The barbarians follow
Bertram run for the ranch. Javor senses his quarry on Javor. Fennor assumes (only somewhat rightly) that the
the move and rushes to the barrow’s exit. The elemental party emerged from the barrow unscathed only because
emerges from the earth in the main chamber. It attacks Javor allowed them to, showing tacit approval. The
those it can see, rather than pursuing Javor. Uthgardt and the returned chief are willing to talk while
on the move.
While the party fights the elemental, Javor works with
supernatural fervor to clear the rubble choking the exit Javor plans to find and slay the desecraters. He knows
to the barrow. He finishes making an opening near the two of the Nettlebees are culpable, but he is able to
top about 2 minutes later, and he leaps into the sunlight. identify them only when he sees them. The returned
The opening is big enough for the massive chieftain, so chief shows no concern for the other Nettlebees.
it’s big enough for the characters.
Fennor plans to “aid”the chief’s justice, destroying
U th g a rd t Vengeance and looting the ranch in the process. The strong
implication is that the Uthgardt intend to allow no
When the characters emerge from the barrow, read the Nettlebee to survive. This intention can be confirmed if
following text: the characters ask the right questions.

If the adventurers bargain for the safety of innocent
Nettlebees, Javor can be swayed. He is willing to stay
Fennor’s bloodlust. However, if he agrees, he demands
recompense. The characters must aid in the capture
of the desecraters, as well as findJavor’s treasure and
return it to his barrow, sealing the barrow’s entry
tunnel thereafter. For their part, the Nettlebees must
willingly give the raiders supplies for the road and some
livestock. (The halflings do so if it means their survival.)

Fennor adds, “All the ones with this liar’s mark!”She
makes the fire symbol with her hands. Her uncanny
knowledge also comes from her daughter’s vision. The
berserker isn’t willing to share more about her child.

F inal C o n fro n tatio n s met Marlos Urnrayle. The corrupted Nettlebees’main
contacts are Hellenrae in the Sacred Stone Monastery
The characters have many choices. They can do and, to a lesser extent, Miraj Vizann, the “mud sorcerer”
nothing, which allows the barbarians to loot and destroy in the Temple of the Black Earth.
the ranch and kill every Nettlebee. (The Uthgardt show
no mercy.) If the party chooses to attack the Uthgardt Journals, letters, and transaction records in Wiggan’s
before they arrive at the ranch, the adventurers must study link him to the earth cult, revealing connections
also battle the revenant. At the ranch, Javor focuses to the aforementioned leaders. Wiggan also writes of
on finding and killing Wiggan and Bertram, giving the his conversion of Bertram, his slow influence of Watson,
characters a better chance against the raiders. For and the fire witch plan. If the characters fail to uncover
their part, the Uthgardt, despite portentous visions, this damning evidence, Watson later does.
are unwilling to perish to serve Javor. If they suffer
significant losses, including either berserker, they make FamilyRepercussions. The Nettlebee family is
a fighting retreat through the pastures to steal sheep horrified and shocked by the brutal and supernatural
and ponies. barbarian attack, and later by the truth the characters
or Watson uncover. Jayne and Watson see the signs of
Nettlebees in Hiding. Once the barbarians make corruption in retrospect. Jayne takes over as matriarch
it to the ranch, Javor bursts into the house’s cellar. of the clan. The Nettlebees expand by inviting relatives,
The Nettlebees, having seen the raiders on their way as well as hiring a fewtough ranch hands.
over the hills, hide there. The undead chief points to
Wiggan and Bertram as the guilty ones. How the scene Treasure
then plays out is up to you and the players, but halfling
pluck and dark devotion make the wicked Nettlebees The Nettlebee’s wealth is hidden in an iron chest.
unlikely to back down easily. In fact, Wiggan tries to Walled in with large, unmortared fieldstones that
bribe the characters into defending Bertram and him match the walls, the chest is hidden in a niche in the
“against these savages.”He also uses his secrets to basement. Finding the niche requires a successful DC
try to influence the characters, promising to tell them 10 Intelligence (Investigation) check. If the characters
everything if saved. Javor might be influenced to stay his promised to return Javor’s treasure, the revenant pulls
hand to allow Wiggan to tell his tale, but the revenant’s the chest out and remains to identify his property. Once
reprieve is only temporary. the characters return his treasure to the barrow, Javor
disappears, leaving only his bones behind.
Wiggan’s Gambit. If the party defends the Nettlebees
and Wiggan survives, the characters are still in danger. The chest is locked, but Wiggan has the key.
Wounded foes make tempting targets, especially if the Prominently on top of the chest’s contents isJavor’s
party knows ofWiggan’s guilt. Wiggan is even braver if ornate helmet made of leather, rope, and bone. It
Bertram is there to help him. Watson might try to stop combines a bear skull, deer antlers, and a saber-toothed
an open battle, but he is unwilling to fight his relatives. tiger’s lowerjaw. The object is in good condition, but it is
worth only 10 gp.
If defeated but left alive, Wiggan can be coerced into An oiled hide under the helmet wraps Javor’s ornate
telling the truth. The party has to promise to let him live greatsword of ancient Besilmer make. The sword’s grip
to get him to talk. is bound in worn leather that doesn’t look original, and
is marked with sequential notches. Bear claws are tied
C onclusion to the pommel. The sword is worth 100 gp.
In addition, Javor has four animal figurines the size of
If Wiggan or Bertram somehow survive, they later flee a human fist—a bear carved of lapis lazuli, a tiger carved
to the Temple of Black Earth to report. The characters of red obsidian, and an elk carved of banded agate
might encounter them again there. It’s up to you (each worth 150 gp), and a figurine of wondrous power
whether the cult leaders spare them or punish them for (silver raven).
the failure. The Nettlebee family hoard includes 775 cp, 2,512
sp, 1,553 gp, and 196 pp, as well as nine rose quartz
The Barbarians. Javor makes sure the other Uthgardt crystals (50 gp each) and an old, worn bag ofholding of
abide by any agreement. Fennor willingly follows “the halfling make that is an heirloom.
ancient’s”wishes. IfWiggan and Bertram are slain, Restoring the Barrow. To keep their word about
Javor reminds the characters of promises they made restoring the barrow, the characters need only take
(see the “Treasure”section). In exchange, the Uthgardt Javor’s items there and leave them in the burial hall.
don’t bother the surviving Nettlebees. Those who do receive a supernatural charm (see “Other
Rewards”in chapter 7, “Treasure,”of the Dungeon
IfJavor is slain before Wiggan or Bertram are, he Master's Guide), which is a spiritual blessing that
returns to life after 24 hours to resume his pursuit of mimics a potion or spell ofyour choice, as appropriate
the desecraters. He, too, might appear in the Temple of for each character and the source (an Uthgardt chief).
the Black Earth. Further, Uthgardt of the Elk tribe could If the characters place the sword, raven, and helmet on
continue to harass the Nettlebees, probably driving the bier with the bones and place each figurine on its
them from their ranch to live, much diminished, in a matching altar, each charm can be used twice before
nearby settlement. vanishing. In either case, a character ofyour choice later
finds the raven figurine among his or her belongings,
Final Clues. Wiggan and Bertram know the location sensingJavor’s favorable opinion.
of the Temple of Black Earth, as well as the pass phrase
for entering the temple (“I serve the Black Earth”).
Although they know of the prophet, neither halfling has

If the characters fail to keep their word toJavor, the infirmity, which might be eased by holy water from the
consequences are up to you. Acurse in the reverse of vale, or might instead be honoring the characters with a
the supernatural charms is appropriate. Word of the visit to this sacred place. In any case, it should be made
characters’duplicity might spread among the Uthgardt. clear that the vale is usually off limits to non-dwarves.
At worst, Javor returns to “remind”the characters of
their promise. Once the characters agree, they receive instructions
on how to find the vale. The group must ride on the
Watson’s Visit. If the Nettlebees feel they owe the Dessarin River to a certain bend, climb next to a
characters, after a month or so, Watson meets them waterfall toward a prominent bluff, and a hike along
in a nearby town. He gives them an iron brand of the a narrow trail through heavy underbrush. The dwarf
fire symbol, which he found in the fields. Watson also asking for aid also gives the characters a signed and
tells the adventurers any information about Wiggan, sealed document proclaiming them friends of the
Bertram, and their relationship to the earth cult that the dwarves who have permission to visit the vale. Lastly,
party doesn’t already know. In addition, as a memento he or she explains that the side path to the Shrine of
of the bond between them, he gives the party the bag of the Tender Oath is subtly marked with a pair of Dethek
holding. Each Nettlebee has helped restore and decorate runes, the first letter of the dwarven words for “Tender”
the bag, and it contains some homemade supplies and and “Oath.”
a letter of thanks fromJayne. Watson then jokes about
how it will be harder to get bales of wool to market in The trip to the vale can be as eventful as you like,
the future. but once the characters reach the right spot, start
with area D1.
Y a le o f D a n c in g W a te rs
D 1. S w itc h b a c k s
The dwarves of the North have long held the hidden
Vale of Dancing Waters to be a sacred place. Rumored The approach to the Shrine of the Tender Oath begins
to once hold the summer palace of Besilmer’s dwarven as a short but steep flight of steps cut into the side of
king, it is now a place of contemplation and worship for the gorge. Two of the creeks in the Vale of Dancing
dwarves who wish to pay homage to their goddess of Waters meet near the steps before tumbling on toward
fertility and love, Sharindlar. They allow few outsiders the Dessarin River. The trail continues upriver to other
access, but those who are fortunate enough to be parts of the vale, so unless the characters know about
invited find a wondrous sight in the secret gorge and its the runes, it’s easy to miss the beginning of the steps; it
splashing creeks. takes a successful DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) check to
notice them.
S h rin e o f th e T en d er O a th
After twenty steps, the stairs turn into a narrow path
Revered sites within the Vale of Dancing Waters include that follows switchbacks up the wall of the gorge. The
temples and shrines positioned throughout the gorge, characters must walk single-file. The journey takes
rather than a single consolidated structure. Most of half an hour.
these spots a require a hike to reach from the main trail
that follows the gorge. One such location is known as Two-thirds of the way up. at a switchback turnaround,
the Shrine of the Tender Oath, a small retreat where Grumink’s miners constructed a trap. Its purpose is to
devotees can dwell for a time and contemplate the make noise and warn the lookouts in area D2 above,
nature of love. but it’s also dangerous. Acharacter who has a passive
Wisdom (Perception) score of 15 or higher notices a
Recently, two unscrupulous treasure hunters, an steel tripwire fastened between boulders about two
oni named Obratu and a duergar named Reulek, inches from the ground. Acharacter who is looking for
discovered evidence of the lost cellars of King Torhild traps instead finds the tripwire with a successful DC 10
Flametongue’s summer palace. The fragmentary map Intelligence (Investigation) check.
sketches and journal entries they recovered suggested
two possible entrances. One is in close proximity to the If the tripwire is sprung, it tumbles one boulder along
Shrine of the Tender Oath, and another is beneath the with a rush of smaller stones and gravel down the path.
Sumber Hills. The first two creatures ascending the trail must make a
DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, the creature
Reulek opted to seek the subterranean route, and is knocked prone and takes 2 (1d4) bludgeoning
he subsequently died in the Black Geode (see chapter damage. Afailure by 5 or more results in the creature
5, area G8). Obratu cut a deal with a dwarf named being knocked from the pathway, sliding and falling to
Grumink and his crew of renegade miners. The oni the next lower level of the path, and taking an additional
and its allies sneaked into the shrine, used deceit and 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage.
magic to overcome the fewworshipers, and began
digging. They have gone unnoticed by other dwarves in Cutting the tripwire triggers the trap. To disarm it, the
the region. wire must be disconnected, kept tight, and traced back
to the wood panel it holds, shoring up the loose boulder
S etup and rocks. Then the boulder must be further supported
until it can’t fall due to lack of tension on the tripwire.
Adwarf acquaintance asks the characters to go to Reworking the trap this way can be done in a few ways,
the Vale of Dancing Waters. Which NPC asks the but checks to do so are no worse than DC 10.
characters is up to you. He or she might need help due to

D2. S hrine E n tra n c e The oni, Obratu, is also present and uses Change Shape
to appear as a female dwarf officiating the ceremony:
As the characters reach the top of the switchbacks, read
the following text: East ofthe statue are several robed dwarves engaged in a
ceremony. As they turn toward you, smiles light up their
The path levels offand widens before an arch cut from faces.
the dark stone ofthe mountain. Flankingthe arch are two “Ah! More guests!”says the female dwarven priest
statues ofdwarves offering a greeting. Beyond the archway officiating the ceremony. “Welcome to the wedding.”The
is an open courtyard with a statue on a raised platform rest ofthe wedding party beckons for you to join in.
inthe center. All these features have been chiseled out
ofthe side ofthe mountain rather than built fromfitted If the characters seem suspicious or threaten them in
stonework. any way, the dwarves end their ruse and attack.

Two dwarf guards stand watch atop this stony shelf. If the characters think the ceremony is real and
Instead of spears and shields, they carry warhammers join the festivities, the dwarves wait for them to get
that they wield with two hands (1d10 + 1bludgeoning close before drawing hidden weapons and taking
damage on a hit). Without shields, they have AC 14. the characters. Characters with a passive Wisdom
Whether or not the guards are present depends on how (Perception) score of 13 or higher notice that the
quietly the characters approach: dwarves are wearing chain shirts under their robes;
these characters aren’t surprised when the dwarves
• If the characters trigger the trap in area D1or make attack. Instead of spears and shields, the dwarves carry
no attempt to approach quietly, the dwarf guards warhammers that they wield with two hands (1d10 + 1
detect them and aren’t here. They have retreated to bludgeoning damage on a hit). Without shields, these
the courtyard (area D3). guards have AC 14.

• If the characters don’t trigger the trap in area D1 and Once combat erupts, the oni casts invisibility on
make an effort to be stealthy, the guards are here, itself, gathers its glaive from behind the dais, and uses
talking quietly in Dwarvish. the statue of Sharindlar for cover while casting spells,
doing its best not to affect its allies. The oni reveals its
In the latter case, the faint sound of hammering true form only if doing so might terrify the party. When
can be heard from somewhere beyond the courtyard
(see area D7).

D3. C o u rty ard

This courtyard is open to the sky, and its walls have been
carved with scenes ofdwarves engaged in rituals, often in
pairs, ofa friendly or amorous nature. Atwenty-foot-tall
statue ofa female dwarf in a gown stands atop a stone dais
inthe middle ofthe courtyard, her arms outstretched in
awelcoming gesture, her face carved with a warm smile.
Unlit stone braziers stand in each corner, while archways
leading into dark interior spaces pierce the center ofwalls
to the east, north, and west. Carved into the rock above the
northern arch is a rowofwindows.

If the characters took out the guards in area D2, the
courtyard is unguarded, and they can hear hammering
from somewhere north of the courtyard (area D7).

Windows. The windows that run along the north wall
overlooking the courtyard, are 20 feet up. They run the
length of the south wall of area D7. Each window is an
open rectangle 7 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

Ruse. If the characters triggered the trap in area D1
or otherwise forecast their arrival to the guards in area
D2, the renegade dwarves have time to prepare a ruse.
Grumink sends six dwarf guards from area D7 to the
courtyard, bolstered by the two dwarf guards from
area D2. These eight dwarves don disguises to look like
robed dwarves attending a private wedding ceremony.

reduced to half its hit points, the oni casts gaseous form Southwest Room. The renegade dwarves dumped the
on itself and flies through a window into area D7. bodies of everyone they slew in the southwestern cell.
Even before the door is open, read the following aloud to
D 4. D o rm ito ry the players:

The passage west from the courtyard becomes a long Afaint but foul stench makes it obvious something rots
hallway with a series of stone doors on either side. Read beyond this door.
the following aloud the first time a character enters one
of the rooms: Once the characters enter, read the following text:

Ashort hallwaywidens into a square room with a plain set The bodies of a dozen dwarves are stacked along the far
offurniture. Each piece has been carved directly from the wall. Judging from the smell and the decay, they died close
rock that makes up this place. Apair of beds line opposite to atenday ago.
walls, while a table with benches rests inthe middle.
Shelves and open cupboards are chiseled out ofthe walls, Checking the bodies reveals that they are all robed
all of it smooth and perfectly formed. Cushions cover the dwarves, likely the inhabitants of the shrine. Most were
benches, and mattresses rest on the beds. Avariety of killed by the renegade dwarves’warhammers, although
knickknacks sit here and there—everyday items common some are rent by long wounds from the oni’s claws.
to someone’s tidy and simple home.
D5. C hapel
If the characters make a point of poking around, they
spot a trace of blood or other signs ofviolence on a The short, arched passage leads into a chamber with a
successful DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check. raised stone dais and altar at the far end. Above the altar is
a carving ofthe same smiling, beckoning dwarven woman
depicted inthe courtyard statue. Two small braziers rest
upon awhite cloth draped over the altar, though neither is
currently lit. An empty stone bowl sits inthe altar’s center.
Cloth cushions are strewn haphazardly on the floor.

This chapel is dedicated to Sharindlar. The renegade
dwarves left this place alone.

Treasure
If characters poke around the altar, a successful DC 10
Intelligence (Investigation) check reveals a silver chain
worth 25 gp tangled on one of the braziers. Near the
chain is a small bloodstain.

D 6. H a ll o f Vows

Two unlit braziers flank the entrance just inside this wide
hall. Detailed carvings ofdwarves decorate both side walls.
These images depict ceremonies, rituals of romance,
love, and even passion. Two sets of stairs, side byside but
spiraling awayfrom each other, rise at the north end.

If the characters have come this far without alerting
the creatures in area D7, they can hear hammering
from upstairs. The carvings continue along the walls of
the stairs as they rise toward the temple. Each flight of
stairs ends at a wide brown curtain.

Treasure
Leaning against the corner behind the western brazier
is a +1 Greataxe. Its owner left it there while attending
a ceremony in the greater temple, but the oni slew the

dwarf and overlooked the axe in the aftermath. The axe Obratu carries a folded scrap of paper with the
has Dethek runes on it, reading, “Abeacon in the dark following message written on it, in Common:
depths.”The axe’s wielder always knows the way to the
nearest passage leading from underground toward the Obratu,
surface, as well as the approximate depth the axe is
underground. There's too much sunlight up here. I'll try the route from
the Underdark. Maybe we'll meet in the palace.
D7. Tem ple
Reulek
Passing through the curtain, you find yourself in a large
ceremonial chamber. Steps rise toward a wide alcove inthe C onclusion
north wall, where a dais and altar face forward. Alongthe
opposite wall, light streams through a rowoftall, narrow Characters who defeat Grumink, Obratu, and their
windows. minions can explore the rest of the shrine. If the find the
bodies of the slain priests and acolytes in the dormitory
This chamber serves as the main ceremonial hall for (area D4), they can search the Vale of Dancing Waters
dwarven worship of Sharindlar. The windows that line for other dwarven enclaves. During their search, they
the south wall are open rectangles 7 feet high by 2 stumble upon a group of dwarves traveling through in
feet wide. the vale. The dwarves are horrified to learn what has
transpired in the Shrine of the Tender Oath. They hold
Grumink and his team have been hard at work, trying burial ceremonies for their slain kin and provide safe
to dig through the stone behind the altar. If Grumink sanctuary for the characters. The shrine is then closed
is unaware of the characters, refer to the “Dwarves at to visitors for the foreseeable future.
Work”section. If Grumink knows the characters are
coming, refer to the “Dwarves Alerted”section instead. D a r k D e a lin g s in Y a r ta r
Grumink is hostile toward the characters in either
scenario, mistaking them for competitors. The city ofYartar is renowned as a place to make deals.
Merchants, smugglers, mercenaries, and spies from all
Dwarves a t W ork over the North meet in Yartar’s taverns and alleyways
Read the following text aloud: to do business. Trade is the lifeblood of the city, and
wherever trade flourishes, thieves are never far behind.
Ateam ofdwarves is hard at work, pounding on the stone The guild known as the Hand ofYartar is the largest
behind the altar with stout tools. Watching them intently and most fractious collection of scoundrels between
is another dwarfwearing black leather armor. Next to him, Waterdeep and Luskan. When the Hand finds itself in
tapping its foot impatiently, is a blue-skinned ogre. possession of a devastation orb, the guild does what any
self-respecting thieves’guild might do: They auction it
The leather-clad dwarf is Grumink the Renegade (see off to the highest bidder.
“Other Villains”in chapter 7), and the “blue-skinned
ogre”is the oni, Obratu. Eight dwarf guards are B ackground
hammering at the stone wall behind the altar. Instead
of spears and shields, the guards carry warhammers Two tendays ago, the Cult of the Eternal Flame
that they wield with two hands (1d10 + 1 bludgeoning dispatched a group of cultists armed with a devastation
damage on a hit). Without shields, these guards orb to strike at the large town of Triboar. Apatrol of
have AC 14. the Twelve, the militia of Triboar, met and defeated
the cultists in the nearby hills. Not knowing what the
Dwarves A le rte d cultists were carrying, they brought the devastation
If the characters are coming from a big fight in the orb in its containment case back to Triboar. Shortly
courtyard (area D3), Grumink the Renegade (see thereafter, it disappeared.
chapter 7) is here with two dwarf guards, ready to make
his final stand. If the oni survived the courtyard battle, it Nareen Dhest, a member of the Hand ofYartar
is here as well, in the guise of a female dwarf. operating in Triboar, pilfered the lord protector’s vaults
and smuggled the orb in its case back to Yartar.
Development
Grumink carries fragmentary maps and partial journal The Hand ofYartar had no particular use for a fiery
entries that, when studied together, suggest that King orb, so the thieves decided to sell it. Nareen put out
Torhild Flametongue’s summer palace could be hidden the word that interested parties could submit their
behind the temple (area D7). The maps and journal offers at the Wink and Kiss, a tavern in Yartar’s market
entries appear genuine but are, in fact, false. (“They’re square. However, another Hand by the name of Haliyra
digging in the wrong place!”) Ravenfast found a different buyer: the Kraken Society, a
sinister secret network with spies throughout the North.
Haliyra cut a deal with society operatives to sell them
the orb. Theyjust need to eliminate Nareen and leave
the Harpers, Zhentarim, and anyone else interested in
the orb blaming one another for dealing in bad faith.

S e tu p Characters looking for a place to stay find two decent
choices in the Pearl-Handled Pipe (good), and the
You have several good options to involve the characters White-Winged Griffon p( oor). In addition, characters
in this side trek. Consider one or more of the following: affiliated with the Lords" Alliance are welcome at the
Waterbaron’s Hall, where they are provided with guest
• If a character is allied with the Harpers, a known quarters at no charge.
contact sends a message through a sending spell.
The message says, “Dangerous orb of fire stolen from If the party was sent to Yartar by the Harpers or the
Triboar. Hands of Yartar auctioning orb to highest Zhentarim, local contacts for those factions quickly
bidder. Please recover orb and return it to Triboar.” confirm that the Hand of Yartar has let it be known that
anyone interested in bidding on a strange magical orb
• The Zhentarim sends word to an allied character should inquire at the Wink and Kiss and ask for Nareen.
through a local contact or a messenger. The Black The Wink and Kiss is a tavern of low repute near the
Network needs to secure a magic orb the Hand of city’s central market square.
Yartar is trying to sell. The character is to obtain the
orb at any cost. Characters who lack any local connections can find
out the same information by spending a few hours
• Characters who keep up with underworld news hear asking questions in local taverns and spending 10 gp in
that the Hand of Yartar found an elemental weapon. bribes and drinks.
The thieves are auctioning it off.
T he W ink a n d K i s s
• Characters passing through Yartar hear rumors that
the Hand of Yartar stole something dangerous. Now The Wink and Kiss is a large tavern staffed by a dozen
the thieves want to get rid of it. dancers, servers, and cooks (all commoners) protected
by two human thugs who serve as bouncers. Nareen
A r r iv a l in Y a r ta r Dhest and her group are in a private room in the back.
Everybody working in the Wink and Kiss is friendly
Yartar is a small, walled city that stands on the east bank of toward the Hand ofYartar, and they know their regular
the Surbrin River. Extensive docks line the city’s riverfront. clientele. Any suspicious-looking strangers are likely to
The city bustles with trade, and wagon trains constantly be spotted at once. The staff pretends nothing is out of
come and go along the Evermoor Way. West ofthe city, a the ordinary and waits on newcomers, but they quietly
wide bridge spans the river, leading to a walled citadel. warn Nareen and her group. Nareen might send a server
to ask such folk whether they're here to talk business
and invite them tojoin her.

When the characters meet Nareen, read: orange-robed cultists near that town. If asked how she
got the orb, Nareen just smiles.
Aserver leads you to a private room inthe back ofthe Wink
and Kiss. Inside is a dark-haired human female with icy Nareen expects 1,500 gp, but characters who
blue eyes, dressed intraveler’s garb. She is seated behind negotiate well and bring up good points can talk her
a large wooden table with empty chairs across from her. down to 1,100 gp with a successful DC 15 Charisma
Two big human mercenaries in armor lean against the walls (Persuasion) check. Her guards are vigilant for use of
close by. She studies you for a moment, and smiles. magic to charm or coerce her, and attack at once if they
“The bidding starts at a fifteen hundred gold pieces,”she see it used. If the party attacks and defeats Nareen and
says. “What’s your offer?” her guards, she grudgingly buys her life by surrendering
the orb’s location.
The woman is Nareen Dhest (female Tethyrian human
spy), the thief who stole the devastation orb in Triboar. When Nareen agrees on a price, she requires the
She is protected by two mercenary veterans. In characters to leave half the sum with the barkeep at
addition, the two thugs guarding the tavern are ready to the Wink and Kiss. She tells the characters that she
come when called. The room has two small leaded-glass can take them to where the orb is, or send someone
windows and a barred door facing the alley behind the to fetch it.
tavern. Nareen made sure to set up in a room with two
ways out, just in case. Rival Seller
When the characters conclude dealing with Nareen,
Acquiring the Orb matters take a new turn. Haliyra Ravenfast (female
The orb is hidden in a nearby mausoleum. Nareen can Illuskan human assassin), another Hand of Yartar, has
describe the orb in great detail if questioned, reporting already sold the orb to the Kraken Society. She has a
that it’s a thick glass orb, dull red in color and warm good hiding spot in the alley behind the tavern that gives
to the touch. It is packed in a small wooden cask filled her a view through the small, dirty panes of the window
with water and sealed with wax. Amage hired by the in the back room where the characters meet Nareen.
Hand ofYartar identified it as a powerful weapon of
elemental fire magic, but worries it might be unstable. When a deal appears imminent, or the characters
She knows that soldiers of Triboar took it from strange defeat Nareen and her guards, Haliyra fires a crossbow
bolt through the window from the alley outside. She
targets Nareen. Nareen’s guards assume the characters
are responsible and attack, unless the characters
immediately aid Nareen or take other actions showing
their innocence.

Haliyra attempts to escape by fleeing through the she and one of her veterans are here. They fight as the
nearby market. The market is crowded with people. party’s allies.
Spotting her requires a successful DC 20 Wisdom
(Perception) check. If none of the characters spot her, The Orb. The crypt is a small stone building with
Haliyra makes her way to Thorn Alley, one of the streets a locked iron door. Nareen has the key; the Kraken
leading into the market square, and disappears into Society agents don’t have a key, so they must break in.
Yartar’s crowds. The crypt holds the remains of a minor lord and lady,
buried here centuries ago. The orb sits in a wooden
Background. Haliyra has been skulking about the containment cask in plain sight on the floor. See chapter
Wink and Kiss for days, watching carefully to see who 7 for more information on devastation orbs.
is involved in the bidding. She has already arranged
for her chosen buyers to pick up the orb from its hiding C o n clu sio n
place. To cover her tracks, she hopes to incite a fight
between Nareen and the characters. When the characters recover the devastation orb, they
must decide what to do with it. The Harpers want to see
Treasure. Haliyra is carrying the Kraken Society’s the orb returned to Triboar. Zhentarim agents want to
payment for the orb—six emeralds worth 250 gp each. smuggle the orb out in a Zhentarim-sponsored caravan,
She also has a simple sketch map of a nearby graveyard, intending to study the device. Otherwise, the characters
with an Xmarked on one of the mausoleums. can turn it over to the authorities or detonate it in the
countryside away from any populated area.
Dealing with Nareen. After the encounter with
Haliyra, Nareen wants out. She agrees to tell the
characters where the orb is if they pay her up front.

M eetin g a t th e Tomb

When the characters successfully deal with Nareen
and Haliyra, they learn where the devastation orb is
hidden. The next step is to take possession of the orb,
but Haliyra’s buyers are already on the scene.

The overgrown cemetery sprawls beneath the eastern

wall ofthe city. Gnarled trees and crumbling mausoleums

break line of sight all around. Three humans are gathered

around the door ofthe crypt you’re looking for, along with

someone—or something—that stands almost eight feet

tall and hides itself under a huge, sodden cloak.

The Kraken Society agents here at the tomb include
a large Sahuagin named Ghald (see “Other Villains”
in chapter 7), Unferth (male Tethyrian human
priest), and two bodyguards (male Tethyrian human
veterans). The bodyguards are working with
crowbars to open the crypt door, while Ghald
keeps watch. Unferth is the group’s spokesman,
although Ghald is in command.

If the Kraken Society agents see the party
coming, Unferth calls out a warning, saying,
“No closer, friends! This is a private matter, and
we don’t wish to be disturbed.”Unferth presents
himself with a false joviality, making light of the fact
that two groups of upstanding citizens should find
themselves engaged in an ugly bit of skulduggery
involving opening a tomb. Underneath the self-
deprecating manner is a stern resolve. The Kraken
Society paid good money for the orb, and they intend
to keep it.

Ghald waits and watches to see if the adventurers
can be scared away. When he decides conflict is likely,
he attacks without warning. This act forces the others
to join the battle. Unferth hangs back and uses his
spells to support his allies.

If the characters accepted Nareen’s offer to guide
them here, and she is uninjured from Haliyra’s attack,

R u n d re th M a n o r If the characters request payment, the contact is
authorized to negotiate on her faction’s behalf. Tailor the
One of the most powerful creatures in the Dessarin reward to the characters’needs. While the characters
Valley is a shadow dragon named Nurvureem, who are traveling to and from the manor, faction agents can
dwells in caverns under Rundreth Manor. Nurvureem send word to their superiors and get whatever coin or
has no interest in allying with the cults. After emissaries magic the characters negotiate for.
failed to return from Rundreth Manor, the elemental
cults have learned to give Nurvureem a wide berth. The T he R uins
Harpers, the Zhentarim, and the Lords’Alliance believe
the elemental cults are courting the Dark Lady, so they What’s left of Rundreth Manor stands on a small, steep­
send the characters to investigate. sided wooded hill just east ofthe Long Road, with a
carriage drive opening offthe caravan road just south of
B ackground the hill and climbing its southern side to curve around and
approach the back ofthe manor house fromthe east.
The Dark Lady—a nickname for Nurvureem often On the surface where the manor once stood are heaps
whispered in shuddering fear—received a delegation of offallen stone blocks and the tumbled lines ofwalls,
elemental cultists months ago. They came seeking the which form aT-shaped outline with two rectangular wings
Dark Lady’s aid. Nurvureem not only declined their offer thrusting north and south out of an enormous east-west
but also feasted on the delegation. She allowed a few rectangular room. This room has three-floor-high remnants
cultists to escape and report on the terrible outcome of ofwalls intwo places, clinging to soaring stone chimneys.
their “negotiations.” It looks like it was once a truly impressive hall.

The surviving cultists’hasty departure didn’t go The two wings of the manor are fallen stones and
unnoticed. Aspy from the Harpers, the Zhentarim, forest now. Bits of flagstone floor can be seen amid
or the Lords’Alliance (your choice) saw them leave the bushes and trees growing in the feast hall. With a
and jumped to the wrong conclusion by assuming the little exploring, the characters find a hole that leads to a
elemental cults were in league with the Dark Lady. stairway down into the earth.

Although based on a faulty premise, this side trek is The flagstones within 10 feet of the top of the stair
hardly a waste of time for the characters. If they play are laid loosely atop flimsy boards concealed with dirt.
their cards right, they can obtain a historical perspective They collapse under 100 or more pounds. Acharacter
on Elemental Evil that only Nurvureem can provide. searching for traps can spot these loose stones with a
successful DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check. A
S etup successful check also reveals the lip at the end of the
loose flagstones that forms the top step of the stair is
This adventure is best used late in the campaign for solid. If the trap triggers, those in its area can attempt
two reasons. First, the characters know more about a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw to catch the edge. On a
the elemental cults and have a better perspective to failed save, the character falls 40 feet to the dirt floor of
understand the Dark Lady’s information. Second, the pit, landing prone in the undercroft.
it strains credulity for any of the factions to send
inexperienced agents into the Dark Lady’s lair. U ndercroft

The characters receive a sending spell, telling them to Gloom pervades a chamber seventy feet wide and a
meet a faction agent at a local inn. When they do, read hundred feet long. The room is littered with the rotting
the following text: remnants of long trestle tables fitted with sinks and littered
with rusted-out metal platters, carry-bowls, and tureens.
Just as the spell said, your contact—a hard-looking Its ceiling is a magnificent series ofvaulted arches that
woman—is waiting at a backtable inthe inn. After crisscross to hold up a stone block ceiling, pierced in many
pleasantries are exchanged, she unfurls a map ofthe places bythe hanging roots oftrees growing above.
Dessarin Valley. The air shimmers, and afemale drowappears inthe
center ofthe chamber.
“Apowerful shadowdragon called the Dark Lady lairs
underneath Rundreth Manor, right here.”She points The drow is an illusory projection, like a major image
to a spot on the map. “One ofour agents sawrobed spell, that Nurvureem uses to speak with interlopers
cultists leavingthe manor. We’ve never seen anyone leave without exposing herself to danger. The Dark Lady’s
Rundreth Manor alive, so that could mean our enemies image opens conversation by saying, “Welcome to
have a shadowdragon on their side.” Her eyes narrow. Rundreth Manor.”
“Your goal is to shatter this alliance anywayyou can. I
recommend negotiation.”

If the characters ask, their contact says the other agent
saw half a dozen figures leaving Rundreth Manor in
haste. That agent tried to followthe cultists but lost
them in the dark.

The image ignores any attacks the characters make • The Dark Lady can supply names and descriptions
against it, although such interaction reveals it to be of each of the four elemental princes (described in
an illusion. chapter 7).

Conversing with th e Dark Lady Nurvureem is curious about the prophets. She also
wants to know about signs of division or rivalry among
The Dark Lady plays the menacing femme fatale to the the four cults. Her curiosity is also piqued about how the
hilt, verbally fencing with the adventurers. Use her to cults are spreading their influence across the Dessarin
feed the adventurers any lore you wish. She knows only Valley. She doesn’t really care about the communities
the basics of what the elemental cults are planning, themselves, but she’s keenly interested in the techniques
but she’d like to know more. She’s willing to trade the cults are using to sow fear and exert control. If the
information to get it. characters mention the devastation orbs, the Dark Lady
expresses a keen interest in them.
The exchange of information can take two forms. If
your players enjoy verbal repartee with an evil shadow The Dark Lady wants the characters to attack the
dragon, then roleplay the conversation as it naturally elemental cults and leave her alone. Nurvureem tries
develops. The Dark Lady subtly pumps the characters her utmost to manipulate the characters into attacking
for information. She reveals what she knows to keep the four elemental cults. She doesn’t lie out of malice,
the flowof information coming. Ifyour players prefer a though Nurvureem has plenty of that, but because she’s
straightforward negotiation, then the Dark Lady offers trying to motivate the adventurers. She invents details to
an overt information trade. For every interesting fact entice the characters onward.
the characters reveal about the cults, the Dark Lady
reveals one, too. The Dark Lady converses with the characters as long
as she’s interested in the information they’re providing.
Skipping anything the players already know, the When she concludes that the characters have nothing
Dark Lady might begin by revealing some of the further to offer, the illusion of the drow disappears.
following points:
Anewbut familiar voice, an octave lower and far more
• Four elemental cults have moved into the Sumber
Hills: an air cult called the Cult of the Howling Hatred; menacing than the drow’s, echoes through the chamber,
an earth cult, the Cult of the Black Earth; a fire cult
called the Cult of the Eternal Flame; and a water cult, saying, “Nowdepart, and never return! You are no longer
the Cult of the Crushing Wave.
useful to me. No longer useful alive, at any rate.”
• Nurvureem hasn’t seen elemental cultists in several
tendays. She says, “I taught them in blood to leave this Nurvureem doesn’t respond to further entreaties,
place alone.” ignoring characters who tarry in the undercroft.

• Her recent visitors sought an alliance with her. She If the characters refuse to leave or go out of their way
says, “Those I allowed to went away disappointed. to provoke a violent confrontation, Nurvureem emerges
Well, disappointed once the terror wore off, from the shadows in her draconic form and attacks,
I imagine.” holding nothing back. To create Nurvureem’s statistics,
apply the shadow dragon template to the adult black
• The cults are led by self-styled prophets and are using dragon statistics in the Monster Manual.
the Haunted Keeps as their bases. The air cultists use
Feathergale Spire, the earth cultists are in the Sacred C on clu sio n
Stone Monastery, the fire cult holds Scarlet Moon
Hall, and the water cultists are in Rivergard Keep. Nurvureem’s hoard is beyond the characters’reach.
When the party returns from Rundreth Manor, whatever
• The four Haunted Keeps were built by adventurers faction they were dealing with honors the bargain the
who explored the ruins of Besilmer, an ancient characters struck. Their contact expresses surprise that
dwarven kingdom. Each one sits on or near an the characters survived the trip to Rundreth Manor.
entrance to underground dwarven ruins.
H a lls o f th e H u n tin g A xe
• The cults are here because of an ancient drow shrine
to the Elder Elemental Eye, which lies underneath The Halls of the Hunting Axe stand as a reminder of the
Tyar-Besil, one of the last dwarven strongholds of long-forgotten dwarven kingdom of Besilmer. Agateway
fallen Besilmer. between the underground and surface worlds, the halls
were once a magnificent complex with soaring, arched
• All the cults fear the Elder Elemental Eye. Its symbol walls, beautiful stained-glass windows, and impeccable
looks like a vertical eye set within an inverted step craftsmanship. The only things left standing now are a
pyramid. The Dark Lady can use illusion magic to few crumbling ruins upon a prominent outcropping that
show the characters what the Elder Elemental Eye survey the plains for leagues around. Rumors claim the
symbol looks like (see chapter 1). ruins of the halls hide an entrance to the tomb of the
king of Besilmer himself, Torhild Flametongue, along
• Centuries ago, a drow named Vizeran DeVir used the with his magical axe, Orcsplitter. Others insist the place
power of the shrine to make four elemental weapons, serves only as a hideout for bandits and beasts.
one each of air, water, earth, and fire. Each weapon is
connected to an extraplanar Prince of Elemental Evil.
These weapons can open or close a portal to the Inner
Plane of that element.

B ackground power will not fall into the wrong hands. They have
taken steps to prevent treasure hunters from getting too
Gargosh Blusterhelm, a young shield dwarf from close, keeping vigilant agents in the vicinity of the Halls
Mithral Hall, has made it his life’s quest to find the in order to head off any serious digging.
legendary axe Orcsplitter and present it to the elders
of Clan Blusterhelm in the hopes of restoring his S etup
family’s lackluster reputation. Most of the elders believe
Gargosh’s plan is a fool’s quest. This adventure is designed for a party of 11th-level
characters. Yartar is an ideal starting point because it’s
Gargosh has developed and maintained an extensive a gathering point for allies of the Lords’Alliance.
diary of his quest, filling it with notes, drawings,
rubbings of ancient stone tablets, and so on, all holding Gargosh approaches the characters and pleads with
clues pointing toward the secret location of the tomb them for their help. If one of the player characters is
of Torhild Flametongue. Convinced at last that he has a member of the Lords’Alliance, someone from the
enough to go on, Gargosh has set out to find the axe. faction introduces Gargosh to them. The Lords’Alliance
Now he just needs a few trustworthy souls to assist him has connections to Mithral Hall and would like to do the
in his quest. dwarves a favor by helping Gargosh find the axe.

Gargosh’s greedy cousin, Drannin Splitshield, is also “It is very kind ofyou to hear my tale,” Gargosh says. “Iam
interested in finding the axe for his own glory. Drannin looking for a great weapon, a legendary axe wielded by my
has put a separate plan into motion, one that involves ancestors, and Iwant you to help me find it. Iwould try and
stealing Gargosh’s diary and tricking Gargosh’s allies find it myself, as is proper to bring honor to my family and
into doing all the dirty work before Drannin claims the clan, but Isimply cannot hope to succeed alone. The risks
axe himself. are more than Icould overcome with my wits and talents.
There, Isaid it. I’mjust not good enough to try it by myself.
Gargosh’s other problem is the Harpers. That faction
feels that the legendary axe should remain exactly
where it is, hidden away and undisturbed, so that its

“Everyone else thinks this is a fool’s errand,” he • Follow the Dessarin Road south from Beliard for
continues. “The king’s tomb, where the axe lies, was about forty miles, then cut east through the hills to the
hidden even from his own people, but Ibelieve we can find Halls of the Hunting Axe (50 miles)
it together!”
Characters can suggest alternative routes, but
Gargosh continues in detail, giving the adventurers Gargosh assures them his route is the safest. If the
a crash course on Besilmer history (see the “Ancient characters recommend a shorter route, Gargosh agrees
Bones” section of chapter 1 for an overview) and to follow their lead. Check for random encounters
explaining what he is trying to accomplish. During (see chapter 2) regardless of the route the characters
the conversation, he reveals that he has “an extensive decide to take.
collection of notes and evidence” pointing to the location
of the tomb, but he has not brought it with him out of Drannin’s Route. Drannin and his crew take a much
caution for the diary’s safety. He promises that they can more dangerous and direct route through rugged,
see it next time. Gargosh agrees to meet them the next hilly terrain:
day at the same spot, equipped and ready to go.
• They travel south from Yartar, through the Dessarin
The Gargosh Deception Hills, to the Stone Trail, staying west of the Dessarin
Between the time the characters first meet with River (110 miles)
Gargosh and when they are to reconvene, Drannin and
his misfit team take Gargosh prisoner and get the diary. • They cross the Stone Bridge, then continue east to
Liking the idea of letting the characters set off the traps Beliard (20 miles)
and fight all the deadly monsters, Drannin and his crew
hatch a plan to dupe the characters. One of Drannin’s • They cut through the hills southeast of Beliard to the
companions, a doppelganger, assumes the guise of Halls of the Hunting Axe (30 miles)
Gargosh and goes along with the characters, urging
them to hurry with a story of theft and betrayal. The Drannin and his crew arrive in Beliard one day ahead
rest plan to stay out of sight, and when the axe is found, of Gargosh and the characters if the characters opt
they hope to step in and take it from the characters. The to take Gargosh’s route. In addition, Drannin leaves a
doppelganger doesn’t know everything that Gargosh small force at the Stone Bridge to harry the characters
knows. However, it can read surface thoughts and, if (see “The Stone Bridge”below).
questioned, might be able to glean the expected answer
from characters who interrogate it. If all else fails, the T he S to n e B ridge
doppelganger resorts to blackmail, telling the characters
to press on “lest great harm befall the real Gargosh.” See chapter 2 for more information on the Stone Bridge.
When the characters reach the middle of the bridge,
S ta rtin g O u t read the following text:

Adoppelganger in the guise of Gargosh meets the You see halfa dozen figures on the bridge ahead—five
characters at the appointed hour: dwarves in leather armor and a human inwizard’s robes.
They appear to be sitting on the edge ofthe bridge, facing
When you spot the young dwarf at the agreed-upon time north and enjoying the view. When they see you, they
and place, he seems beside himselfwith consternation. stand, move away from the edge ofthe bridge, and draw
“Unbelievable!” He fumes. “Someone stole my diary! Right their weapons. The robed fellow pulls out a wand.
out from where Ihad hidden it last night! Iswear, you can’t
trust anyone these days!” He peers at you as ifconsidering The figures on the bridge include five thugs (male
whether you might have had something to do with it, then shield dwarves) and a mercenary mage named Cavil
dismisses the thought. “Doesn’t matter,” he says. “Ihave Zaltobar (male Tethyrian human). Cavil is armed with a
all my notes memorized!” +1 wand of the war mage. If the characters don’t attack
immediately, Cavil tosses a few words at them before
Gargosh’s Route. “Gargosh”tells the characters that ordering the thugs to attack:
their destination is the Halls of the Hunting Axe, and
that he plans on taking the following route: “Well met!” says the wizard. “Finally caught up with us, eh?
Your adventure ends here, I’mafraid.”
• Travel west along the Evermoor Way from Yartar to
Triboar (60 miles) Drannin left these forces here knowing that they were
unlikely to defeat the characters, but he wanted to play
• Travel south along the Long Road from Triboar to up the idea that someone is trying to stop Gargosh from
Westbridge (80 miles) completing his quest. Cavil chose this spot because it’s
where Torhild Flametongue, the dwarf king of Besilmer,
• Travel southeast along the Stone Trail from reportedly fell to his death long ago. “Not a bad place to
Westbridge to the Stone Bridge, then continue east to die,”the mage says with mild amusement.
Beliard (80 miles)
The doppelganger posing as Gargosh doesn’t take
part in the fight, remaining on the fringes of the battle
and rooting for the characters to triumph. Once three of

the thugs are defeated, the remaining two surrender and T h e R u in s
the mage casts fly on himself to escape. When the characters finally reach the ruined Halls of
the Hunting Axe, “Gargosh” explains that the next step
Interrogations. If the characters take prisoners, they in the treasure hunt is to find four symbols displayed
can interrogate their captives and learn that they were somewhere within the ruins. These symbols, he says,
hired by a dwarf named Drannin. “Gargosh” feigns are the key to opening Torhild Flametongue’s tomb. The
amazement: doppelganger has no more information than that.

“Mycousin Drannin? That cad! He stole my diary because X 1. O w l b e a r G r e e t i n g s
he wants the axe and all the glory for himself! We need to
make haste and catch up with him!” You find a road of broken stone that meanders through
hills, stands oftrees, and ancient ruins. The road passes
Characters who have reason to suspect Gargosh might under the occasional stone arch as it weaves northward.
be lying or holding back information can make a DC 16 One such arch stands ahead ofyou, and perched on a
Wisdom (Perception) check. Acharacter who succeeds rocky escarpment to the left ofthe arch is an owlbear. It
on the check realizes that Gargosh’s amazement shrieks at you but doesn’t leave its perch.
seems a little rehearsed, suggesting that Gargosh
knew Drannin was involved all along. If one or more The owlbear has been hunting in the area and has fed
characters accuse Gargosh of withholding information recently, so it’s not hungry enough to attack a group of
from them, he admits that he has long suspected well-armed travelers. If the characters leave it alone,
Drannin capable of such treachery, but denies knowing the owlbear lets them pass. If they attack it, it leaps
of Drannin’s plot. down and fights back, fleeing when reduced to half its
hit points.
If Gargosh gets the sense that the characters might
turn against him, he suggests they all press on to This ancient road merges with a ravine that has a
Beliard and get a good night’s rest. The doppelganger small stream flowing at the bottom of it. Characters
then tries to slip away in the night. who follow the road come to a plaza surrounded by
crumbled ruins.

X 2. C rum bling A rc h X3. W atch to w er
The road passes through a free-standing arch—an
example of how some of the Besilmer stonework has This massive structure was once a building topped by
withstood the ravages of time. a great statue—a dwarf standing proudly with one arm
outstretched, brandishing his greataxe. The head, shoulder,
This grand arch is half-demolished, but what remains and arm ofthe statue have crumbled down and lie in a pile
suggests that it was once a great, blocky edifice carved of rubble around the base ofthe building now; only the
with runes, most ofwhich are too weatherworn to be legs, waist, outstretched arm, and weapon remain.
deciphered. Beyond the arch stands the crumbling shell of
a once impressive hall and, to its right, the lower halfof a Astairway inside the building rises through the statue,
monolithic statue. and though it was originally designed to ascend all
the way to the statue’s head, it stops suddenly at the
The Dethek runes on the arch once told visitors that shattered torso.
they were standing amid the mighty works of the
Besilmer dwarves. The statue is described in area X3, X4 . A n cien t H a ll
the ruined hall in area X4.
Though mostly tumbled down now, this hall must once
have been a shining example of Besilmer’s architectural
mastery. The jagged remnants ofthick, soaring walls with
high, narrow stained-glass windows can still be seen, and
some ofthe collapsed great dome still sits on top.

The four entrance arches (in the center of each wall) X5. C iste rn
are more or less intact, though the doors themselves
are smashed or fallen. Set into each arch is a narrow Water, green with algae, partially fills a fifty-foot-wide
doorway leading to an equally narrow spiral staircase cistern dug into the earth. The water’s surface sits thirty
that descends into the earth. Each staircase leads to feet below ground level. The remains of an aqueduct that
a small underground chamber containing dwarven come from a point higher up the bluff are still visible, but
machinery. When the characters first discover one of most of that has fallen into ruin.

these four rooms, read the following aloud: The Besilmer dwarves once had extensive waterworks,
though little of it remains.
This dark room contains a large stone flywheel connected
to a series of gears. More ofthe machinery must be hidden South of the cistern are some old ruins perched on
behind walls or beneath the floor. Carved into the ceiling is the edge of the bluff. Hidden in these ruins are three
a symbol. good-aligned agents of the Harpers—a mage named
Ariana Riverlost (female moon elf) and two half-moon
The symbol carved into the ceiling is one of the four elf scouts named Elifar (male) and Lorendil (female).
elemental symbols (see chapter 1): They’ve heard rumblings of a dwarven plot to loot the
tomb of King Torhild Flametongue. They emerge from
Room Symbol their hiding spot and confront characters who emerge
Northwest Air from the crypts with Orcsplitter (see “Aftermath”).
Northeast Earth
Southeast Fire X 6. A m p h ith eater
Southwest Water
Alarge, semicircular amphitheater built into the side of the
If the players want to know what the symbol in each blufftakes advantage of the natural rise and the acoustics.
room looks like, sketch out the symbols as they appear It is still structurally sound, though a fewweeds, shrubs,
on the corners of the Halls of the Hunting Axe map. and small trees grow up in cracks between the stones.

No matter how hard the characters push, the flywheel Drannin Splithelm (see “Other Villains” in chapter 7).
doesn’t move. Close inspection accompanied by a his shield guardian, and three dwarf veterans armed
successful DC 10 Intelligence (Investigation) check with battleaxes instead of longswords hide here. They
reveals a disengaged sprocket that can be slid along an keep a watchful eye on the entrance to the crypts (area
axle to engage a different part of the machinery. If the X7). Unless they are confronted and defeated here,
sprocket is set in place, the flywheel does move when Drannin and his retinue follow the characters into the
a character pushes it, and the characters can hear the crypts (see area X10).
sound of grinding stone echoing off in the distance.
If the characters move the flywheel and then let go, it X7. E n tra n c e t o th e C ry p ts
reverses and spins back to its original position when it
is released. There is no apparent way to stop this motion This structure isn’t so much a building as it is a facade built
with raw strength; characters who push against the into a bluff. Two alcoves flank an opening, and life-sized
reversal don’t even slow it down. statues carved from the stone stand within each alcove: a
pair of dwarves in full regalia, perhaps as an honor guard.
While brute force won’t work, mechanical ingenuity The statues are badly weathered and have suffered damage
will. A successful DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) from vandals and treasure hunters.
check reveals a small hole on the rim of the flywheel
into which a typical weapon hilt or bundle of arrows will The opening leads into a hallway that extends back
fit. If something at least six inches long extends from the about 60 feet before coming to a long staircase that
flywheel at that point, the flywheel can’t reverse. descends into the darkness for 200 feet, with landings
positioned every 20 feet. On either side of each landing,
Along the edge, the flywheel has faint etchings of the a small alcove holds a stone brazier. Though none have
elemental symbols of air, earth, fire, and water. If the been lit in many years, touching a torch to one causes
characters turn the flywheel so that its symbol lines all of them to magically burst into flame, as well as
up with a matching symbol on the ceiling, then lock the braziers in area X8, which lies at the bottom of the
the flywheel into place using the hole on the flywheel’s staircase.
rim, one of the four locks on the secret door in area X9
opens. Once all four flywheels are properly aligned, the
secret door in area X9 becomes unlocked.

The doppelganger impersonating Gargosh can’t figure
any of this out on his own, and is both surprised and
impressed when the characters figure it out.

X 8 . H a ll o f th e F allen steps of the hidden staircase. The staircase remains
open as long as the key (the scepter or some other
The stairs open at last into a great hall filled with massive object) remains in place.
square columns twenty feet thick that rise to a ceiling thirty
feet overhead. Stone braziers stand at the intersection of “Gargosh” might be helpful at noticing the hidden
each pathway between the columns. Each column serves staircase and the hole cut into the floor, but he’s not
as a mausoleum, with an alcove carved into each side, much help when it comes to figuring out how to lower
offset so that the alcove takes up onlythe right-hand half the stairs. If the characters have not yet turned the
ofthe facing. The alcoves once held stone effigies ofthe flywheels in area X4, Gargosh suggests that they look
interred dead. Many ofthe tombs have been smashed elsewhere for the symbols needed to open the way.
open, revealing the bones ofthe dead inside. The crumbled Characters can also “cheat”by casting four knock spells
and ruined stonework ofthe broken effigies lies smashed on the secret staircase.
on the floor.
“Methinks we’re in the right place,” Gargosh says plainly, If Gargosh is present when the characters open the
strolling among the crypts. “Somewhere in here is the secret staircase, read the following:
secret entrance to King Flametongue’s tomb. We just have
to find it!” Gargosh stares in amazement. “We found it,” he whispers.
“The axe will soon be mine at last! See, Ididn’t need the
The floor here is made of smooth, cut stone. stupid diary! Let’s go!”
Each column holds four crypts, and each crypt is
X 10. F alse Tomb
hidden behind an alcove that either contains or once
contained a stone slab carved with a bas-relief of the The characters reach this area by descending the stairs
dwarf entombed within. Crypts that have already been from area X9.
searched stand open, their doors and effigies smashed.
Only eight crypts remain sealed, and they contain The wide stairs open into an odd-shaped room. Set into
nothing but the bones of the ancient dead. the wall next to the stairs is a stone lever in the “down”
position. Braziers similar to the ones above burn with
X 9 . F alse C ry p t mysterious blue flames that give off no heat. In alcoves
to either side, large dwarven statues stand at attention,
This particular crypt looks unremarkable among the saluting the beautifully engraved marble sarcophagus that
others, but it reveals a secret. sits alone against the far wall, which is carved with runes.

The effigy on this tomb depicts a dwarven king in full Any character who reads Dwarvish can translate the
regalia clutching a stone scepter with one hand and Dethek runes on the wall:
pointing toward the floor with the other.
Here lies His Noble Majesty
Close inspection of the effigy reveals that there are King Torhild Flametongue.
no seams to indicate that a crypt lies behind it. In He raised a kingdom in the sun,
fact, there is none. Asuccessful DC 10 Intelligence Defending it with his dying breath.
(Investigation) check also reveals that the scepter is a
separate piece of stonework that can be easily removed The dwarf statues are two stone golems. The moment
from the dwarf king’s grip. The scepter is 2 feet long anyone attempts to open the sarcophagus, the golems
with a handle 2 inches thick; it weighs 25 pounds. animate and attack, returning to their alcoves once
all intruders retreat up the stairs. If he is still with the
Inspection of the floor reveals that the 20-foot- characters, “Gargosh” flees up the stairs to escape
square section in front of the crypt is different from the the golems’wrath, and to reunite with Drannin (see
smooth stone found elsewhere in the hall. It consists “Development” below).
of ten 20-foot-long, 1-foot-wide stone slabs neatly fitted
together. Drilled next to the southernmost slab is a Torhild’s Dying Breath. Opening the sarcophagus
2-inch wide, 6-inch deep hole, which can be found with a releases a cloud of poisonous gas that fills the room.
DC 10 Intelligence (Investigation) check. Any creature in the chamber must make a DC 15
Constitution saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) poison
The stone slabs are actually the topmost steps of a damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
secret staircase that descends to area X10. Four locks successful one. A creature that fails the saving throw is
hidden under the floor prevent the slabs from lowering. also poisoned for 1 minute.
However, if the flywheels in area X4 are properly lined
up, these locks are now open. Once the locks are open, The sarcophagus is empty.
inserting the stone scepter or a similarly sized “key” Lever. The stone lever protruding from the wall can
into the hole causes the stone slabs to sink, forming the be used to raise or lower the staircase leading up to area
X9. Moving the lever up raises the stairs and seals the
tomb; pulling the lever down opens the tomb again.
Secret Door. Asecret door in the southwest corner
swings open to reveal a dusty, 10-foot-high, 10-foot-wide

stone tunnel leading to area X11. Characters searching Any character who reads Dwarvish can translate the
the walls for secret doors find the well-hidden door with Dethek runes:
a successful DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check.
Here lies His Noble Majesty
Development King Torhild Flametongue.
Once the characters defeat the golems, Drannin He raised a kingdom in the sun.
Splithelm (see “Other Villains” in chapter 7) arrives May his reign never be forgotten.
with his shield guardian and his retinue—three dwarf
veterans armed with battleaxes instead of longswords. The dias is a heavy stone lid covering the king’s tomb.
If the doppelganger posing as Gargosh yet lives, it tries Lifting and moving the dais requires three characters
to reunite with its true companions. Drannin’s crew isn’t acting in concert and each succeeding on a DC 20
stealthy, so the characters can hear the dwarves and Strength check. For each additional creature that helps,
shield guardian approaching. reduce the DC by 2. Beneath the dias is a circular stone
crypt, 8 feet wide and 3 feet deep, containing a simple
Once Drannin and his retinue come into view, read stone coffin.
the following aloud:
Treasure
Awall of dwarves wearing splint armor and brandishing Within the stone coffin lie the remains of the dwarf king,
axes marches into view. Behind them, a handsome dwarf his skeletal hands clutching his axe, Orcsplitter, to his
encased in plate armor claps while standing inthe shadow breast. Orcsplitter is described in chapter 7. The king’s
of a 9-foot-tall construct. “Well done, myfriends,”says the bones lie atop a bed of 500 gold ingots stamped with the
clapping dwarf. “Well done. You found ol’ Flametongue’s king’s face on one side and the rising sun on the other.
tomb. Ihad my doubts. Ican’t wait to see the expression Tiny runes on each ingot testify to the greatness and
on poor Gargosh’s face when he discovers that I, Drannin longevity of the ancient kingdom of Besilmer. The gold
Splithelm, retrieved Orcsplitter, not him!”The dwarf is ingots are worth 10 gp each.
beaming, but his smile fades quickly. “So, Iguess this is
farewell.” A fterm ath

Drannin imbibes a potion offrost giant strength prior to Captured members of Drannin’s crew can divulge the
confronting the characters and is spoiling for a fight. He location of the real Gargosh. He is imprisoned in a small
couldn’t be bothered to read Gargosh’s diary in detail, cave on the riverbank near Yartar, locked in a large
so he has no idea that this tomb is false, or that the trunk with air holes and water. Gargosh can survive for
sarcophagus might be trapped. If the characters allow four more days inside the trunk.
Drannin to plunder the tomb, he triggers the gas trap
(if it hasn’t already been triggered) and is furious to find If the characters emerge from the dwarven crypts
the sarcophagus empty. with Orcsplitter in their custody, the Harpers hiding in
area X5 confront them under the open sky. They point
Drannin and his cohorts don’t fight to the death. If a out that Orcsplitter belongs in the hands of dwarven
battle erupts and things aren’t going well, they retreat scholars. They’ll first appeal to the characters’sense of
and leave the shield guardian to cover their escape. If altruism, but if that doesn’t work,
he is cornered with no one left to protect him, Drannin the Harpers try to arrange an
surrenders. exchange of magic items.
This is an opportunity
Treasure for your players
Drannin wears the control amulet keyed to the shield to ask for
guardian, as well as a ring ofcold resistance. He also something—a
carries Gargosh’s diary which, among other things, specific
contains a note about a false tomb with a secret door. weapon or two,
perhaps—that
X 11. T h e T r u e T om b o f suits their
particular
K ing T o rh ild F lam eto n g u e characters. If
an agreement
This simple chamber has a slightly raised, circular marble is reached,
dais in its center. Carved on the stone circle is an effigy of Ariana Riverlost
a dwarf lying in state, clutching a greataxe to his breast. An promises
inscription is carved in runes around the perimeter ofthe to meet the
dais. characters again
in two weeks,
at a location
chosen by them,
with the agreed-
upon payment.

C h a p t e r 7: M o n s t e r s a n d M a g ic I te m s

T HIS CHAPTERPRESENTS NEWMONSTERS, are unique magic items offering great power to those
villains, and magic items. The monster who wield them.
section concludes with descriptions of
the Princes of Elemental Evil, beings of M o n s te rs
overwhelming power and malice.
Power-hungry humanoids see Elemental Evil as a
After the monster and villain principle deserving of worship and form cults around
the destructive magic Elemental Evil offers. Evil
descriptions are magic items the creatures that come from the elemental planes are
likewise ready servants of Elemental Evil. Finally,
characters find during the adventure. monsters of the Material Plane that have an affinity
for one of the elements also fall under the sway of
Some of these are much like the magic items described Elemental Evil, especially in areas where a strong
elemental node is present. Earth cults easily ally with
in the Dungeon Master's Guide. Others are elemental creatures such as bulettes or umber hulks, water cults
ally with merrow and sea hags, and so on.
items, made using the power of the elemental nodes.

Cultists of Elemental Evil make extensive use of these

quasi-magical devices. The item descriptions conclude

with descriptions of the four elemental weapons carried

by the prophets of Elemental Evil. These weapons

Monsters and NPCs by Challenge Rating for their mysticism shouldn’t forget the wild destructive
power the cultists wield when they unleash cyclones
Monster Challenge and tornadoes.

Howling Hatred initiate 1/8 The Cult of Howling Hatred cooperates with the fire
and water cults but they loathe the Cult of the Black
Crushing Wave reaver 1/2 Earth, viewing its members as stubborn, unenlightened
drones without vision or imagination.
Sacred Stone monk 1/2
F e a th e rg a le K n ig h t
Feathergale knight 1 Mediumhumanoid (human), lawful evil

Crushing Wave priest 2 Armor Class 16 (scale)
Hit Points 33 (6d8 +6)
Black Earth guard 2 Speed 30ft.

Eternal Flame guardian 2 STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+2)
Fathomer 2
Skills Animal Handling+2, History+2
Howling Hatred priest 2 Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Auran, Common
Hurricane 2 Challenge 1(200 XP)

Oreioth 2 Spellcasting. The knight is a 1st-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC12, +4 to hit
Black Earth priest 3 with spell attacks). It knows the following sorcerer spells (an
asterisked spell is from appendix B):
DarkTide knight 3
Cantrips (at will): gust*, light, message, rayoffrost
Eternal Flame priest 3 1st level (2slots): expeditious retreat,featherfall

One-eyed shiver 3 A ctions

Skyweaver 3 Multiattack. The knight makes two melee attacks.

Thurl Merosska 3 Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft., one
target. Hit: 6 (1d8 +2) slashing damage, or 7 (1d10+2)
Wiggan Nettlebee 3 slashing damage ifused with two hands.

Windharrow 3 Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 +2) piercing damage, or
Burrowshark 4 6 (1d8 +2) piercing damage ifused with two hands to make a
melee attack.
Grumink the Renegade 4
The Feathergale Knights are ambitious, wealthy folk
Shoalar Quanderil 4 from cities such as Waterdeep seduced by the air cult’s
promises of power. From the backs of hippogriffs or
Stonemelder 4 giant vultures, they survey the land around Feathergale
Spire, guarding the entrance to the air cult’s
Elizar Dryflagon 5 hidden temple.

Ghald 5 The knights are contemptuous of other elemental
cultists, whom they view as depraved lunatics. Under
Hellenrae 5 lord commander Thurl Merosska, the Feathergale
Knights see themselves as elite men and women who
Razerblast 5 can make hard choices for the good of their realms.
In reality, they are bound to Yan-C-Bin and are blind
Flamewrath 6 to their own corruption and decadence. Despite their
refined manners and social sophistication, each has
Miraj Vizann 6 sealed that pact with the murder of a sentient being-
deaths the knights have dubbed necessary for the
Aerisi Kalinoth 7 (9with lair actions) security of the realm.

Drannin Splithelm 7 The knights have access to wingwear, as described
in the “Elemental Magic Items”section. They are often
Elemental myrmidon 7 wearing it when encountered.

Bastian Thermandar 8

Marlos Urnrayle 8 (12with lair actions)

Gar Shatterkeel 9 (13with lair actions)

Vanifer 9 (12with lair actions)

Olhydra 18

Yan-C-Bin 18

Imix 19

Ogremoch 20

H o w lin g H a tre d C u ltis ts

Most air cultists are idealists lured to the cult by lofty
notions such as detachment from material possessions,
bodily addictions, and physical desires. Some find their
way to the cult in pursuit of rumors that they can learn
to fly, tame the wind, or shed their obesity. Whatever
their reasons, they eventually succumb to the cult’s
subtle indoctrination, surrendering their worldly goods
to the cult’s coffers and the hardiness of their bodies
to the cult’s emaciating rites. Cultists that survive their
initiation usually gain all the things the cult promised—
at the cost of their free will.

The Cult of the Howling Hatred relies upon deception
and trickery both to recruit its members and defeat its
enemies. Even so, those that underestimate the air cult

H o w lin g H a tre d I n itia te A ctions
Mediumhumanoid (human), neutral evil
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft.
Armor Class 13 (leather) or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 +2) piercing damage.
Hit Points 9 (2d8)
Speed 30ft. Howling Hatred initiates are attracted by the cult’s
philosophy of non-attachment and the rejection of
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA material things, unaware of the cult’s true nature. The
10 (+0) 15 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 9 (-1) 11 (+0) cult attracts adherents of all kinds, from dreamy-eyed
youths with little property to world-weary folk eager to
Skills Deception +2, Religion +2, Stealth +4 put their faith in something as tangible and powerful as
Senses passive Perception 9 an elemental force.
Languages Common
Challenge 1/8 (25XP) Initiates live on little but air for a month, believing
that this regimen purifies them of bodily needs. In truth
Guiding Wind (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). As a it makes their bodies so desperate for sustenance that
bonus action, the initiate gains advantage on the next ranged they become susceptible to indoctrination. Soon, they
attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn. can justify heinous acts within the context of the cult:
Human sacrifice isn’t an act of murder, but a freeing
Hold Breath. The initiate can hold its breath for 30 minutes. of the soul from the limitations of a physical shell;
conjuring a whirlwind to destroy unbelievers isn’t an act
of terror but a demonstration of true faith.

H o w lin g H a tre d P r ie s t
Mediumhumanoid (human), neutral evil

Armor Class15 (studded leather)
Hit Points 45 (10d8)
Speed 30ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 14 (+2)

Skills Acrobatics +5, Intimidation +4, Religion +4
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Auran, Common
Challenge 2 (450XP)

Hold Breath. The priest can hold its breath for 30 minutes.

Spellcasting. The priest is a 5th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC12, +4to hit
with spell attacks). It knows the following sorcerer spells (an
asterisked spell is from appendix B):

Cantrips (at will): blade ward, gust,*light, prestidigitation,
shockinggrasp

1st level (4slots):featherfall, shield, witch bolt
2nd level (3 slots): dust devil,*gust ofwind
3rd level (2 slots): gaseousform

A ctions

Multiattack. The priest makes two melee attacks or two
ranged attacks.

Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft., one
target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.

The most fanatical of the air cultists, the priests push
their bodies to physical extremes in order to decrease
their density and mass and become as light as leaves.
Gaunt and sallow faced, with concave bellies, bulging
eyes, and taut skin that enunciates every bone, these
living skeletons sustain themselves on nothing more

than air and fanatical devotion to the teachings of the believe the physical world must be shattered so that the
cult. The wind serves them at a gesture. creatures of the Material Plane can live unshackled by
physical things.
Howling Hatred priests see themselves as living
extensions ofYan-C-Bin, and they help new recruits Hurricanes see the frenetic activity of the world in
cast off the shackles of their old lives and embrace slow motion, and themselves at the calm center of the
a “higher purpose.” Once the new recruits are thus storm. Through meditation and mysticism they learn to
purified, the priests decide whether they are worthy summon powerful blasts of wind, catch missiles with
for indoctrination as initiates or would better serve ease, and fall like feathers.
the Howling Hatred cult as sacrifices. The priests
also uphold the doctrine of their prophet, Aerisi Skyw eaver
Kalinoth, and harshly punish any initiate who strays Mediumhumanoid (human), chaoticevil
from the path.
Armor Class 12 (15with mage armor)
Most other air cultists hate the priests, though none Hit Points 44 (8d8 +8)
dares to speak out against them. Those that challenge Speed 30ft.
the priests often end up the subjects of rigorous new
attempts at purification. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
8 (-1) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 16 (+3)
H u rric a n e
Mediumhumanoid (human), lawful evil Skills Deception +5, Persuasion +5
Senses passive Perception 10
Armor Class 14 Languages Auran, Common
Hit Points 33 (6d8 +6) Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Speed 45 ft.
Spellcasting. The Skyweaver is a 6th-level spellcaster. Its
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC13, +5to hit with
12 (+1) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) spell attacks). It knows the following sorcerer spells:

Skills Acrobatics +5 Cantrips (at will): blade ward, light, message, ray offrost,
Senses passive Perception 11 shockinggrasp
Languages Auran, Common
Challenge 2 (450XP) 1st level (4slots):featherfall, mage armor, witch bolt
2nd level (3 slots): gust ofwind, invisibility
Spellcasting. The hurricane is a 3rd-level spellcaster. Its 3rd level (3 slots): fly, lightning bolt
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC11, +3to hit
with spell attacks). It knows the following sorcerer spells (an A ctions
asterisked spell is from appendix B):
Dagger. Melee or Ranged WeaponAttack: +4to hit, reach 5ft.
Cantrips (at will): blade ward, gust,*light, prestidigitation or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage.
1st level (4slots):featherfall,jump, thunderwave
2nd level (2slots): gust ofwind Skyweavers brim with rage and desire, which makes
them perfect vessels for the wildly destructive magic
Unarmored Defense. While the hurricane is wearing no armor of the Cult of the Howling Hatred. In contrast to their
and wielding no shield, its ACincludes its Wisdom modifier. hurricane counterparts in the air cult, Skyweavers
embrace the worship of Elemental Evil for a quick path
Unarmored Movement. While the hurricane is wearing no to power. With little experience wielding the might
armor and wielding no shield, its walking speed increases by 15 of the elements, Skyweavers thrill with the rush of
feet (included in its speed). releasing raw elemental energy.

A ctions

Multiattack. The hurricane makes two melee attacks.

Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +5to hit, reach 5ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 +3) bludgeoning damage.

R eactio n s

Deflect Missiles. When the hurricane is hit bya ranged weapon
attack, it reduces the damage fromthe attack by 1d10+9. Ifthe
damage is reduced to 0, the hurricane can catch the missile if
it is small enough to hold in one hand and the hurricane has at
least one hand free.

Hurricanes profess their disgust with decadence, and
they dedicate their bodies and their minds to the world’s
destruction. Through breathing exercises and ascetic
philosophy, skilled Howling Hatred initiates learn to
imitate the cycling patterns of the hurricane. They

T h u rl M ero ssk a W in d h a rro w
Mediumhumanoid (human), lawful evil Mediumhumanoid (halfelf), neutral evil

Armor Class 16 (breastplate) Armor Class 15 (studded leather)
Hit Points 71 (11d8 +21) Hit Points 55 (10d8+ 10)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 17 (+3)

Skills Animal Handling +2, Athletics +5, Deception +4, Skills Acrobatics +5, Deception +7, Persuasion +5, Performance
Persuasion +4 +7, Stealth +5

Senses passive Perception 10 Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Auran, Common Languages Auran, Common, Elvish
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Spellcasting. Thurl is a 5th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting FeyAncestry. Windharrow has advantage on saving throws
ability is Charisma (spell save DC12, +4 to hit with spell against being charmed, and magic can’t put himto sleep.
attacks). Thurl knows the following sorcerer spells (an
asterisked spell is from appendix B): Spellcasting. Windharrow is an 8th-level spellcaster. His
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC13, +5to hit with
Cantrips (at will):friends, gust,*light, message, rayoffrost spell attacks). Windharrow knows the following bard spells:
1st level (4slots): expeditious retreat,featherfall,jump
2nd level (3slots): levitate, mistystep Cantrips (at will):friends, prestidigitation, vicious mockery
3rd level (2 slots): haste 1st level (4slots): disguise self, dissonant whispers, thunderwave
2nd level (3slots): invisibility, shatter, silence
A ctions 3rd level (3 slots): nondetection, sending, tongues
4th level (2slots): confusion, dimension door
Multiattack. Thurl makes two melee attacks.
A ctions
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft., one
target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage. Multiattack. Windharrow makes two melee attacks.

Lance. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5ft., one
Hit: 9 (1d12+ 3) piercing damage. creature. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.

R e a c tio n s An opportunistic half-moon elf rake and bandit formerly
known as Harald Grayspear, Windharrow was given his
Parry. Thurl adds 2to his ACagainst one melee attack that new name by Aerisi Kalinoth. When Aerisi was still with
would hit him. To do so, Thurl must see the attacker and be her family, Harald charmed and flattered his way into
wielding a melee weapon. her favor. When Aerisi ran away from home to become
the air prophet, she took Windharrow with her.
Thurl Merosska is the leader of the Feathergale
Knights. Once a griffon rider of Waterdeep, Thurl At Aerisi’s insistence, Windharrow recruited a band
retired after a storm nearly claimed his life. Obsessed of flutists from the ranks of new converts to the air cult,
with his near-death experience, Thurl learned of Yan-C- calling them the Windwyrds. Most have no musical
Bin and swore an oath to serve the elemental prince in talent whatsoever, and their music is often a shrill
exchange for power. cacophony. Of all the air cultists, the Windwyrds are the
least fanatical and the most fearful for their lives. Aerisi
Thurl realized that there were others among the disposes of these minstrels on a whim, replacing them
wealthy of Waterdeep who might make worthy servants with other initiates. Those that master some skill with
of Yan-C-Bin. He formed the Feathergale Society to lure their instruments survive the longest, but the cost of
likely individuals into the air cult. He indoctrinated his failure creates a highly competitive environment among
Feathergale knights, one by one, into the cult’s beliefs. the minstrels.

When Aerisi Kalinoth arose as the chosen prophet of Windharrow is loyal to Aerisi Kalinoth as long as he
air, Thurl reluctantly pledged the Feathergale Knights fears her power. If his life is threatened or a richer offer
to the cause. He resents Aerisi Kalinoth’s rulership presents itself, Windharrow betrays the air cult without
of the cult, but tells himself that he can use her and a backward glance.
her followers to make the Feathergale Society strong
enough to rule Waterdeep as it should be ruled.

A e risi K a lin o th fact an avariel, and believes it herself even though she
Mediumhumanoid (elf), neutral evil must cast seeming each day to “reveal” her wings.

Armor Class 13 (16with mage armor) Aerisi is prone to deluded flights of fancy and
Hit Points 66 (12d8 + 12) impulsive decadence. She sees herself as a beautiful,
Speed 30ft. fierce, and just ruler who wields elemental power
because she deserves it.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
8 (-1) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 17 (+3) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) In th e A ir Node
When danger threatens the Temple of Howling Hatred,
Skills Arcana +6, History +6, Perception +3 Aerisi retreats to the Howling Caves, the air node.
Damage Resistances lightning Within this node, Aerisi gains one additional use of her
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13 Legendary Resistance trait.
Languages Auran, Common, Elvish
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP), or 9 (5,000 XP) with lair actions L air A ctions
If Aerisi is in the air node while Yan-C-Bin isn’t, Aerisi
FeyAncestry. Aerisi has advantage on saving throws against can take lair actions. On initiative count 20 (losing
being charmed, and magic can’t put her to sleep. initiative ties), Aerisi uses a lair action to cast one of her
spells, up to 3rd level, without using components or a
Howling Defeat. When Aerisi drops to 0 hit points, her body spell slot. She can’t cast the same spell two rounds in a
disappears in a howling whirlwind that disperses quickly and row, although she can continue to concentrate on a spell
harmlessly. Anything she is wearing or carrying is left behind. she previously cast using a lair action. Aerisi can take
no other lair actions while concentrating on a spell cast
Legendary Resistance (2/Day). IfAerisi fails a saving throw, she as a lair action.
can choose to succeed instead.
If Aerisi casts invisibility using this lair action, she
Spellcasting. Aerisi is an 12th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting also draws the power of the air node into herself. By
ability is Intelligence (spell save DC14, +6 to hit with spell doing so, she regains 15 (3d8 + 2) hit points.
attacks). Aerisi has the following wizard spells prepared (an
asterisked spell is from appendix B):

Cantrips (at will): gust,*mage hand, message, prestidigitation,
rayof frost, shockinggrasp

1st level (4slots): charmperson,featherfall, mage
armor, thunderwave

2nd level (3 slots): dust devil,*gust ofwind, invisibility
3rd level (3 slots): fly,gaseousform, lightningbolt
4th level (3 slots): icestorm, stormsphere*
5th level (2 slots): cloudkill, seeming (cast each day)
6th level (1slot): chain lightning

A ctions

Windvane. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5
ft. or range 20ft./60 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d6 +6) piercing
damage, or 10 (1d8 +6) piercing damage ifused with two
hands to make a melee attack, plus 3 (1d6) lightning damage.

Aerisi Kalinoth is the air prophet of the Elder Elemental
Eye and leader of the Cult of the Howling Hatred. Tall
and slender, with dark hair and (illusory) feathered
wings that gently fan the air, Aerisi Kalinoth speaks to
her people in a whisper that belies her violent temper,
which reveals itself whenever she is denied.

Aerisi was a sheltered moon elf princess named Dara
Algwynenn Kalinoth who grew up in a remote Faerie
realm. Her parents had wished to protect her from the
harsh realities of the world, but they only succeeded in
spoiling her. When they tried to discipline their willful
daughter, she used the power of elemental air against
them. Soon after, her dreams led her to the ancient
dwarven ruins where the spear Windvane awaited her.

Dara changed her name to Aerisi and pretended
to be an avariel (winged elf) princess like the ones
from her storybooks. Then Aerisi used her talents for
enchantment magic to sway mortals into joining her
cult. She has convinced all her followers that she is in



B lack E a rth C u ltis ts B la c k E a rth P rie s t
Mediumhumanoid (human), neutral evil
Murderers, lunatics, hateful nihilists—these are the sort
of people drawn to worship the might of Elemental Evil. Armor Class 17 (splint)
The followers of evil elemental earth call themselves Hit Points 45 (7d8 + 14)
the Cult of the Black Earth, and dream of the day when Speed 30ft.
earthquakes reduce the world of mortals to rubble. They
seek to recruit evil or destructive monsters that burrow STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
or dwell in the ground, and in fact emulate subterranean 15(+2) 11 (+0) 14(+2) 12(+1) 10(+0) 16(+3)
creatures to the greatest extent possible, using
burrowing magic to carve out their hidden lairs. Skills Intimidation 4-5, Religion +3, Persuasion +5
Senses passive Perception 10
Black Earth cultists are slow to act, but when they Languages Common, Terran
do, they are utterly implacable. They are single-minded Challenge 3 (700 XP)
and stubborn, working tirelessly to undermine their
enemies. They get along well with the Cult of the Spellcasting. The priest is a 5th-level spellcaster. Its
Crushing Wave, but they hate the Howling Hatred cult- spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC13, +5to hit
elemental air is fickle and insubstantial compared to the with spell attacks). It knows the following sorcerer spells (an
power of elemental earth. asterisked spell is from appendix B):

B la c k E a rth G u a rd Cantrips (at will): acidsplash, blade ward, light,
Mediumhumanoid (human), neutral evil mending, mold earth*

Armor Class 18 (plate) 1st level (4slots): earth tremor,*expeditious retreat, shield
Hit Points 39 (6d8+ 12) 2nd level (3 slots): shatter, spiderclimb
Speed 30ft. 3rd level (2slots): slow

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 9 (-1)

Skills Intimidation +1, Perception +2
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common
Challenge 2 (450XP)

A ctions

Multiattack. The guard makes two melee attacks.

Morningstar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5to hit, reach 5ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.

R ea c tio n s

Unyielding. When the guard is subjected to an effect that
would move it, knock it prone, or both, it can use its reaction to
be neither moved nor knocked prone.

Black Earth guards are the warriors of the earth cult.
They are brutal, heavily armored thugs devoted to
Ogremoch. That devotion has granted them an uncanny
ability to hold their ground against the buffeting
assaults. It has also earned them the right to wear
special plate armor of elemental stone, which breaks
down when the guard is slain.

These guards are fanatically loyal to the Black Earth
priests and the leaders of the cult. They fight to the
death if commanded to do so by their superiors. Those
with more potential become burrowsharks.

A ctions Burrowsharks are much like Black Earth guards,
since both have uncanny footing and special armor. For
Multiattack. The priest makes two melee attacks. burrowsharks, an additional gift of Ogremoch’s might
establishes a magical bond between the burrowshark
Glaive. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. and a bulette, allowing the rider to burrow with its
Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) slashing damage. mount and sense what its mount senses.

R eactions S a c re d S to n e M o n k
Mediumhumanoid (human), lawful evil
Unyielding. When the priest is subjected to an effect that
would move it, knock it prone, or both, it can use its reaction to Armor Class 14
be neither moved nor knocked prone. Hit Points 22 (4d8 +4)
Speed 40 ft.
The priests of the Black Earth are the drivers and
organizers of Ogremoch’s cult. They are the true STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
believers, seeing Ogremoch as a divine force, and they 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 9 (-1)
have developed a twisted dogma to explain how the evil
of elemental earth is destined to remake the world and Skills Acrobatics +4, Athletics +3, Perception +4
rule over all. The Black Earth priests form a cabal of Senses tremorsense 10ft., passive Perception 14
leaders whose fanaticism and magical power serve as Languages Common
the backbone of the cult. Individuals of unusual power Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
hold higher rank in the cult, but the priests provide the
cult leader with his or her authority over the rest of Unarmored Defense. While the monk is wearing no armor and
Ogremoch’s followers. wielding no shield, its ACincludes its Wisdom modifier.

B u rro w sh a rk Unarmored Movement. While the monk is wearing no armor
Mediumhumanoid (human), neutral evil and wielding no shield, its walking speed increases by 10feet
(included in its speed).
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 82 (11d8 + 33) A ctions
Speed 30ft. Multiattack. The monk makes two melee attacks.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft.,
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

Skills Animal Handling +2, Athletics +6, Intimidation +3, R eactions
Perception +2
Parry. The monk adds 2to its ACagainst one melee or ranged
Senses passive Perception 12 weapon attack that would hit it. To do so, the monk must see
Languages Common the attacker.
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Sacred Stone monks are followers of a martial
Bond ofthe Black Earth. The burrowshark is magically bound philosophy that seeks to emulate the strength of rock
to a bulette trained to serve as its mount. While mounted on and stone. They don gargoyle masks and use a finely
its bulette, the burrowshark shares the bulette’s senses and honed sense of touch to measure their surroundings
can ride the bulette while it burrows. The bonded bulette by contact with the ground. They avoid speaking, or
obeys the burrowshark’s commands. Ifits mount dies, the extraneous thought for that matter. They live only to test
burrowshark can train a newbulette to serve as its bonded themselves with deprivation and to punish those who
mount, a process requiring a month. doubt the strength of elemental earth.

A ctions

Multiattack. The burrowshark makes three melee attacks.

Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 +4) piercing damage, or
8 (1d8 +4) piercing damage ifused with two hands to make a
melee attack.

R eactio n s

Unyielding. When the burrowshark is subjected to an effect
that would move it, knock it prone, or both, it can use its
reaction to be neither moved nor knocked prone.

Elite warriors of the earth cult, burrowsharks are fierce
champions who ride trained bulettes into battle. While
their powerful mounts rend and tear foes to pieces,
burrowsharks leap to the ground and cut down their
foes without mercy.

S to n e m e ld e r
Mediumhumanoid (human), neutral evil

Armor Class 17 (splint)
Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30)
Speed 30ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 11(+0) 17 (+3)

Skills Intimidation +5, Perception +2
Senses tremorsense 30 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Terran
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

Death Burst. When the Stonemelder dies, it turns to stone
and explodes in a burst of rock shards, becoming a smoking
pile of rubble. Each creature within 10feet of the exploding
Stonemelder must make a DC14 Dexterity saving throw, taking
11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or halfas
much damage on a successful one.

Spellcasting. The Stonemelder is a 7th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC13, +5to hit
with spell attacks). It knows the following sorcerer spells (an
asterisked spell is from appendix B):

Cantrips (at will): acidsplash, blade ward, light,
mending, mold earth*

1st level (4slots): expeditious retreat,false life, shield
2nd level (3 slots): Maximilian’searthen grasp,*shatter
3rd level (3 slots): erupting earth,*meld into stone
4th level (1slot): stoneskin

A ctions

Black Earth Rod. Melee Weapon Attack: +5to hit, reach 5
ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) bludgeoning damage. The
Stonemelder can also expend a spell slot to deal extra damage,
dealing 2d8 bludgeoning damage for a 1st level slot, plus an
additional1d8 for each level ofthe slot above 1st.

Stonemelders are spellcasters who gain their power
from Ogremoch, using elemental earth magic to
sheathe their bodies in carapaces of rock. They are
elite champions of the cult and answer only to the
cult leaders. Not even the Black Earth priests
tell Stonemelders what to do.

Each Stonemelder carries a weapon
known as a Black Earth rod. Such a
rod is like an ordinary mace, but in
the hands of a Stonemelder, it serves
as a conduit for Ogremoch’s wrath.

H e lle n ra e M ira j V iz a n n
Mediumhumanoid (human), lawful evil Mediumhumanoid (earth genasi), neutral evil

Armor Class 16 Armor Class 10 (13with mage armor)
Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24) Hit Points 82 (11d8 + 33)
Speed 50 ft. Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
13 (+1) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 17 (+3) 13 (+1) 11 (+0) 18 (+4)

Skills Acrobatics +7, Athletics +4, Insight +5, Perception +5 Skills Arcana +4, Deception +7
Damage Immunities poison Senses passive Perception 10
Condition Immunities blinded, poisoned Languages Common, Primordial
Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Perception 15 Earth Walk. Moving through difficult terrain made of earth or
Languages Common, Terran stone costs Miraj no extra movement.
Challenges (1,800 XP)
Innate Spellcasting. Miraj’s innate spellcasting ability is
Evasion. IfHellenrae is subjected to an effect that allows her Constitution (spell save DC14). He can innately cast the
to make a Dexterity saving throwto take only halfdamage, she following spell, requiring no material components:
instead takes no damage ifshe succeeds on the saving throw,
and only halfdamage ifshe fails. 1/day: pass without trace

Stunning Strike (Recharge 5-6) When Hellenrae hits a target Spellcasting. Miraj is an 11th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting
with a melee weapon attack, the target must succeed on a DC ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell
13 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of attacks). He knows the following sorcerer spells (an asterisked
Hellenrae’s next turn. spell is from appendix B):

Unarmored Defense. While Hellenrae is wearing no armor and Cantrips (at will): acidsplash, blade ward,friends, light,
wielding no shield, her ACincludes her Wisdom modifier. message, mold earth*

Unarmored Movement. While Hellenrae is wearing no 1st level (4 slots): chromatic orb, mage armor, magic missile
armor and wielding no shield, her speed increases by20 feet 2nd level (3 slots): Maximilian's earthen grasp,*
(included in her speed).
shatter, suggestion
A ctions 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, erupting earth*
4th level (3 slots): polymorph, stoneskin
Multiattack. Hellenrae makes three melee attacks. 5th level (2 slots): wall ofstone
6th level (1 slot): move earth
Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5ft.,
one target. Hit: 9 (1d10+4) bludgeoning damage. A ctions

R eactions Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft., one
target. Hit: 4 (1d6+ 1) bludgeoning damage, or 5 (1d8 + 1)
Parry and Counter. Hellenrae adds 3to her ACagainst one bludgeoning damage when used with two hands.
melee or ranged weapon attack that would hit her. Todo so,
she must be able to sense the attacker with her blindsight. Miraj is an earth genasi from Calimshan. He is a
Ifthe attack misses, Hellenrae can make one melee attack perfectionist who oversees the Black Earth cult’s
against the attacker ifit is within her reach. tunneling operations and specializes in magic and
alchemical processes that shape stone. He also has an
The chief lieutenant of Marlos Urnrayle, Hellenrae lost affinity for the element of water and styles himself a
her sight as a child. Abitter, angry orphan, she was “mud sorcerer.”
taken in by a monastic order and trained to use her
other senses to compensate. However, she took the Though he is the most accomplished spellcaster
monks’philosophy of self-denial and emptiness of mind in the Cult of the Black Earth, he has no interest in
to extremes, seeking to fill herself with the dark power challenging Marlos Urnrayle for leadership. He knows
she sensed sleeping in the earth and rock around her. that he is no match for the medusa and is happy to
pursue his experiments while Marlos leads.
Hellenrae is a dour, unsmiling woman who habitually
wears drab robes and a golden gargoyle mask with
no eye holes. She despises weakness in any form.
Therefore, she hates just about everybody, and barely
tolerates the other Black Earth cultists.

M a rlo s U rn ra y le Marlos wields the magical war pick Ironfang, which
Mediummonstrosity, neutral evil he found in the Fane of the Eye after being drawn to the
spot by a vision. Because of his medusa curse and his
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) possession of the elemental weapon, the other Black
Hit Points 136 (16d8 +64) Earth cultists believe that he stands high in Ogremoch’s
Speed 30 ft. favor and are fanatically loyal to him.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA In th e E a rth Node
17 (+3) 11 (+0) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 17 (+3) When the Temple of Black Earth is threatened, Marlos
Urnrayle retreats to the Black Geode, the earth node.
Skills Arcana +4, Deception +6, Perception +4 Within this node, Marlos gains one additional use of his
Damage Resistances acid Legendary Resistance trait.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive
L air A ctions
Perception 14 If Marlos is in the earth node while Ogremoch isn’t,
Languages Common, Terran the medusa can take lair actions. On initiative count
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP), or 12 (8,400 XP) with lair actions 20 (losing initiative ties), Marlos uses a lair action to
cast earthquake without using components. As long as
Earthen Defeat. When Marlos drops to 0 hit points, his body he maintains concentration on earthquake, initiative
transforms into mud and collapses into a pool. Anything he is count 20 is the start of Marlos’s turn for the purpose
wearing or carrying is left behind. of the spell. He can take no other lair actions while
concentrating on earthquake.
Earth Passage. Marlos can move in difficult terrain composed
ofanything made from earth or stone as ifit were normal Marlos’s second option for a lair action is to draw
terrain. He can move through solid earth and rock as ifit were power from the earth node to heal. When he does so, he
difficult terrain. Ifhe ends his turn there, he is shunted into the regains 30 (6d8 + 3) hit points.
nearest space he last occupied.

Legendary Resistance (2/Day). IfMarlos fails a savingthrow, he
can choose to succeed instead.

Petrifying Gaze. When a creature that can see Marlos’s eyes
starts its turn within 30 feet of him, Marlos can force it to make
a DC14Constitution saving throw ifMarlos isn’t incapacitated
and can see the creature. Ifthe saving throwfails by5or more,
the creature is instantly petrified. Otherwise, a creature that
fails the save begins to turn to stone and is restrained. The
restrained creature must repeat the saving throwat the end
of its next turn, becoming petrified on a failure or ending the
effect on a success. The petrification lasts until the creature is
freed bythe greater restoration spell or other magic.

Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the
saving throw at the start of its turn. Ifthe creature does so,
it can’t see Marlos until the start of its next turn, when it can
decide to avert its eyes again. Ifthe creature looks at Marlos in
the meantime, it must immediately make the save.

IfMarlos sees himself reflected on a polished surface within
30 feet of him and in an area of bright light, Marlos is, due to
his curse, affected byhis own gaze.

A ctions

Multiattack. Marlos makes three melee attacks, one with his
snake hair and two with Ironfang.

Snake Hair. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5ft.,
one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6)
poison damage.

Ironfang. Melee Weapon Attack: +9to hit, reach 5ft.,
one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8)
thunder damage.

Marlos Urnrayle is the earth prophet of Elemental Evil
and the leader of the Black Earth cult in the Sumber
Hills. He is a medusa of unusual power who was once
a vain and cruel human nobleman. Marlos delights in
petrifying his foes, especially those of great physical
beauty, and smashing the remains to rubble.